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BRIDGE ABRIDGED 



BRIDGE 



*' It is a pretty game, and 

on certain terms 

I like it.'' 

" It is brain stimulus, pastime, variety 
and charm." 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

A COMPREHENSIVE AND CONCISE STATEMENT OF THE MAXIMS, RULES 
AND PRINCIPLES GOVERNING THE GAME OF BRIDGE 

BY 

ANNIE BLANCHE SHELBY 

AUTHOR OF "STANDARD WHIST " 
ALSO 

THE REVISED LAWS OF BRIDGE 

AS ADOPTED BY THE NEW YORK WHIST CLUB 
AND 

THE ETIQUETTE OF THE GAME 




NEW YORK 

DUFFIELD & COMPANY 

1906 



OCT 6 1906 
©LASS Ay XXc. m 



G< 






%\ 



Copyright, 1905 

BY 

ANNIE BLANCHE SHELBY 
Copyright, 1906 

BY 

DUFFIELD & COMPANY 



Published September, 1906 



PREFACE 

This little work (written by request) is de- 
signed chiefly for such as would like as compre- 
hensive a knowledge as possible of Bridge play 
and the principles governing it, at a minimuro. 
expenditure of time and effort. 

The various subjects have been treated in as 
concise a manner as practicable consistent with 
thoroughness. Special reference has been made 
in many instances to points of similarity between 
Bridge and Whist in the belief that this would be 
helpful to the Whist player essaying Bridge, and 
in no wise a deterrent to the advancement of the 
non-Whister. 

The player who attempts Bridge without some 
previous knowledge of Whist will of necessity 
find his progress slow and perhaps discouraging. 
The facile Whist player, however, should have 
little difficulty in adapting himself to the many 

vii 



PREFACE 

similar and yet many dissimilar conditions of 
Bridge. 

Bridge is as yet in its infancy and some of 
the plays at the present time in vogue may 
undergo more or less modification as the result 
of further experience. As must be expected, 
more or less difference of opinion prevails as 
regards certain minor tactics of the game. On 
the salient features, however, the writers are in 
the main agreed, and this work will be found 
a correct and complete treatise of the game of 
Bridge as at the present time played by the 
majority of the best and most successful players. 

With cordial thanks for the gratifying recep- 
tion accorded my previous work, " Standard 
Whist," and in the hope that a similarly warm 
reception may be extended this, I respectfully 
subscribe myself The Author. 



Yin 



CONTENTS 

CHAPTER PAGE 

Preface vii 

I. Bridge — What is it? i 

II. Formation of the Table, Cutting, etc. . . 6 

III. Declaring the Trump, Doubling, etc. . . 8 

IV. Scoring 13 

Table of Points 18 

Specimen of Score Sheet Containing Ex- 
ample Rubber 19 

V. Maxims for Beginners 20 

VI. The Declaration by the Dealer .... 35 

" No-Trump " Makes 42 

"No-Trumps" to the Score 46 

Heart Makes 47 

Diamond Makes 50 

Black Suit Makes 53 

VII. The Declaration by Dummy 57 

VIII. Doubling 62 

Re-doubling 67 

IX. The Lead at a Declared Trump .... 69 

X. The Secondary Lead 84 

XI. The Lead at " No-Trump " 90 

XII. Second Hand Play 96 

ix 



CONTENTS 

CHAPTER PAGE 

XIII. Third Hand Play 102 

XIV. Return Lead 113 

XV. The Discard 123 

XVI. The Dealer's Play 131 

XVII. Trump Management, Finesse, and Criti- 
cal Endings, General Remarks . 149 

XVIII. Bridge for Three Players 160 

The Revised Laws of Bridge 162 

Etiquette of Bridge 189 

Decisions by the Card Committee . . . 192 

Illustrated Hands 195 

Index 229 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

CHAPTER ONE 

BRIDGE — WHAT IS IT? 

Bridge Whist is an offshoot or variant of 
Whist; it is Whist with certain important differ- 
ences or modifications. 

One of the essential points of difference lies 
in the fact that the last card of the pack instead 
of being turned face upwards on the table and 
serving as an indicator of the trump suit, is dealt 
face downwards as the other cards, and the 
trump, or " no-trumps," as the case may be, is 
declared by the dealer or his partner, as in the 
dealer's judgment seems best. 

Another important difference is that the hand 
of the dealer's partner is exposed upon the table 
and played by the dealer in conjunction with his 
own, no comment or suggestion whatever bear- 
ing upon the play being permitted from the part- 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

ner. In this respect the game is closely allied to 
Dummy Whist. 

A radical difference exists in the system of 
scoring in the two games. Honors, as in Whist 
as originally played, are an important factor. 
Two scores, in fact, are competed for, trick 
scores and honor scores, and, by the peculiar 
conditions of the game, a side may win the 
rubber and be ahead on trick points, and yet, 
because of the high honor score accruing 
to the opposing side, in the finals come out 
losers. 

Bridge, like Whist, is essentially a partner- 
ship game. Each side plays 26 cards as against 
26, and, as in Whist, the controlling motive of 
the play of each side is to win tricks, or points 
in excess of the opposing side. 

Many of the underlying principles of Whist, 
as trump management, with the various forms of 
strategy therein involved, establishment tactics, 
unblocking, finesse, and not a few of the finer 
and more delicate points of Whist, obtain in 
Bridge. 

The dealer, as has been explained, plays his 



BRIDGE— WHAT IS IT? 

partner's hand in conjunction with his own. To 
imagine that this calls for no skill is rank fallacy 
as, to his mortification, the tyro usually discovers, 
especially if pitted against wide-awake adver- 
saries. The dealer's play involves in fact some 
of the subtlest strategies of the game. So to play 
the two hands as to make the most there is in 
them, and at the same time mislead the adver- 
saries as to the true essentials of one's own hold- 
ing, calls for diplomacy, tact and skill of no mean 
order. 

The position of the dealer's partner, who 
rejoices in the sobriquet of " dummy," is some- 
what unique in the history of card games. 
Though he see his hand (and himself as well) 
led into the ways which mean disaster and defeat, 
not a sign may he give, not a protest may he ut- 
ter. He must in truth be literally what his name 
indicates. Having organs of speech, he must 
nevertheless be dumb. Having hands, he must 
handle not; having eyes, he must see not, and 
having ears, he must hear not. Stolid and im- 
passive must be his countenance, and reticent 
and sans reproche his entire demeanor. Once 
3 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

in every four deals this somewhat anomalous 
position is occupied by each player in turn. 

The origin and early history of Bridge, like 
many other card games, is involved in obscurity. 
A game resembling in many respects the modern 
game of Bridge was played in Smyrna some 
twenty or more years ago, but whether it was 
of comparatively recent origin, or had been in 
existence an indefinite number of years pre- 
viously, is quite unknown. Later it found its 
way-' into southeastern Europe, thence into 
France and, by easy transitions, into England 
and America. 

The rapidity with which the game has spread 
and the enthusiasm it has aroused are tangible 
proofs, surely, of its inherent worth and exceed- 
ing fascination. 

It is truly unfortunate that a game so intrin- 
sically scientific and well calculated to occupy a 
place on the same high intellectual plane as that 
enjoyed by the parent game. Whist, should have 
been played so extensively for stakes, and thus 
received an opprobrium which in itself it little 
deserves. 



BRIDGE— WHAT IS IT? 

More and more, however, are its infinite pos- 
sibilities in an intellectual line being recognized 
and appreciated. More and more is it becoming 
known as a game of science and skill rather than 
of chance. More and more are the ranks thin- 
ning of those whose predilections for card games 
is bounded by their monetary value, and their 
places being taken by a class who, recognizing 
the high intellectual worth of the game, respect 
and appreciate it accordingly. 

The assertion made by some that Bridge will 
supplant Whist is not only displeasing to the 
lover of Whist, but entirely unwarrantable. The 
two games, though closely allied, are neverthe- 
less separate and distinct. Each has its own 
interest and charm. Each involves in its play 
the highest faculties of a trained mind. Both 
are eminently qualified to serve as the diversion 
and instructor of youth, and the delight and 
solace of old age. 



CHAPTER TWO 

FORMATION OF THE TABLE^ CUTTING^ ETC. 

Bridge may be played by three players, though 
it is usually played by four. If the candidates 
exceed four, the question of priority is decided 
by cutting. 

In cutting, the pack of 52 cards is used and 
the players cut from the closed pack or draw 
from the outspread pack. Players again cut to 
decide who shall be partners, the two cutting 
lowest playing against the other two. The ace 
is low in cutting. The player cutting lowest of 
all secures the deal and has choice of table, seats 
and cards. 

At the end of a rubber the players again cut 
for partners. This is a wise precaution and by 
most players highly commended. It not only 
adds variety but, what is often of great impor- 
tance, offers the chance of speedy release from 
6 



FORMATION OF TABLE 

a trying partner. The most exacting of players 
can accept with philosophy a poor partner for 
one rubber; for a succession of rubbers, this 
would be difficult. 

As in straight Whist, it is customary to use 
two packs of cards, the dealer's partner shuffling 
for his right hand adversary, the next dealer. 

The cards are dealt one at a time, as in Whist, 
from left to right. Players should not touch 
their cards during the progress of the deal. The 
last card is not turned by the dealer face up- 
wards on the table as in Whist, but is dealt in 
the same manner as the others, face downwards. 
No penalty attaches to a misdeal. 

At the completion of the deal players should 
count and carefully sort their cards according to 
their respective value, and, finally, as an addi- 
tional precaution against revoke, alternate the 
colors. A strict observance of this practice not 
only exposes at once any irregularity in the deal, 
but tends to systematic habits, and systematic 
habits both at Bridge and Whist cannot be too 
strongly recommended. 



CHAPTER THREE 

DECLARING THE TRUMP^ DOUBLING, ETC. 

As has been explained, the dealer either 
declares the trump or requests his partner 
(dummy) to do so. Dummy, when requested, 
mttst declare. A declaration once made cannot 
be changed, though, as will be presently shown, 
its value may be variously increased. 

Immediately following the declaration, the 
non-dealers, each in turn, express themselves as 
satisfied, when the game begins, or as wishing to 
double, i. e., increase by its original value the 
particular value of the declaration. The first 
right to double belongs to the player at the deal- 
er's left, otherwise elder. 

In the event of doubling, the dealer or his 

partner, the one making the declaration having 

the first right, may re-double; i. e., quadruple, or 

increase by four times its original value the par- 

8 



DECLARING THE TRUMP 

ticular value of the declaration. The non-deal- 
ers again may go over, the original doubler 
having the first right, and again the dealer or 
dummy, etc., etc. The process in fact may be 
continued first by one side and then by the other 
(the player last doubling on his side having 
always the first right for the side) until the value 
of the trick point reaches loo. There, however, 
it is customary to cease; there it must cease, in 
fact, if any of the players protest against its 
further continuance. The cases are rare, and 
to the credit of Bridge players, be it said, where 
the practice is carried to such an extreme as 
this. 

As an exemplification of doubling, re-doub- 
ling, etc., a spade trick, the original affixed value 
of which is 2 points, by doubling becomes 4 ; by 
re-doubling, 8; by re-doubling again, 16; and 
again, 32; still again, 64, etc., etc. 

It can thus readily be seen how beyond all 
reason the value of a trick point might easily 
be carried, especially in the case of " no-trumps," 
did not " The Laws " wisely prescribe a limit. 

For greater convenience, the several players 
9 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

are designated respectively as dealer^ leader or 
elder, dummy and pone or younger. 

Players indicate their declaration or their de- 
sire to double, or the reverse, by the use of a cer- 
tain brief formula, as, in the case of the dealer: 
—"No-trumps" or "Without"; "hearts," or 
" I make it hearts " ; or, when not wishing to 
declare, " Make it, partner." 

The dealer's partner, otherwise dummy : — " I 
make it * no-trumps ' " ; " Spades " or " I make 
it spades." 

The elder : — " I double ; " or, to his partner, 
" May I play? " This query has a twofold signif- 
icance, indicating that the elder himself does not 
wish to double, but that it is in order for the 
younger to do so, if he so desires. 

The younger, otherwise pone : — " No, I 
double," or " Play, please," in which latter case 
the game proceeds. 

If either adversary doubles, the player naming 
the trump, whether dealer or dummy, must either 
say " I am satisfied," or " I re-double." If the 
former, his partner as well must give expression 
to one or the other of these statements. If the 

10 



DECLARING THE TRUMP 

latter, or if, the declarant having expressed him- 
self as satisfied, his partner re-doubles, the non- 
dealers must express themselves as satisfied or as 
again v^ishing to go over. In fact, not until each 
adversary in turn expresses himself as satisfied 
after a double or re-double on the opposite side, 
may the game proceed. The word " enough " is 
sometimes used in lieu of " I am satisfied." A 
rap on the table has also the same significance. 

When the process of doubling, etc., has finally 
ceased, or in the event that there has been no 
doubling, the elder hand makes his lead, and 
thereby starts the game. Immediately follov^ing 
the lead, dummy places his cards, carefully 
sorted and systematically arranged for easy 
reference, face upv^ards on the table, and the 
dealer (his partner) plays the hand in conjunc- 
tion with his own. 

From this point dummy becomes simply an 
onlooker in the game, he being neither permitted 
to play or even touch a card save as the dealer 
directs, or to make any remarks or suggestions 
whatever bearing upon the game save as fol- 
lows : — In the effort to prevent a revoke, he may 
II 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

ask the dealer, when he first renounces to a 
trick, if he has none of the suit. He may also 
remind the dealer that a trick is not complete, 
correct an erroneous score, or the claim of 
either adversary to a penalty to which the latter 
is not entitled. 



12 



CHAPTER FOUR 

SCORING 

A correct understanding of the modus oper- 
andi of scoring, as well as of the principle in- 
volved, is indispensable to a player's success, as 
well as to his greater enjoyment of the game 
of Bridge. The system, though necessarily some- 
what involved because of the various factors 
which are a part thereof, is nevertheless simple 
and easy of comprehension. 

Two scores are competed for, trick scores and 
honor scores. The one is entirely independent of 
the other, yet both are important factors in the 
final results. 

Thirty trick points constitute a game. All 
tricks in excess of 30 add just so much to the 
value of the score, but one game only can be 
made in a deal. A rubber is the best of three 
games. If two games are won consecutively by 
13 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

one side, the rubber is completed and the third 
game is not played. loo points are added to 
the honor score of the side winning the rubber. 

As in straight Whist, the first six tricks scored 
by two players acting as partners constitute a 
hook, and each trick taken by them in excess 
thereof scores to their mutual credit. In Whist, 
each trick in excess of six scores one point only. 
In Bridge, and herein lies one of the essential 
points of difference between the two games, each 
trick in excess of six scores two or more points 
according to the special value of the declaration. 

Each declaration, in other words, has a cer- 
tain affixed value, spades ranking lowest in the 
scale, clubs next, diamonds next, hearts next, 
and " no-trumps " the highest. 

In spades each trick in excess of six counts 2 ; 
in clubs, 4 ; in diamonds, 6 ; in hearts, 8 ; in " no- 
trump," 12. 

These values may be variously increased by 
the system known as doubling, which has been 
explained. 

The honors at a trump are the ace, king, 
queen, jack, and ten of the suit declared. At 
14 



SCORING 

"no-trumps," the four aces. Honors score to 
the side holding the majority, three or more. 
Honor values vary as does the trick point value 
of the suit declared trump. Honor values re- 
main statu quo throughout; that is, they are not 
affected by doubling. 

Three honors in a declared suit count twice 
the trick point value of the particular suit. Three 
honors, that is, in spades count 4; in clubs, 8; 
in diamonds, 12; in hearts, 16. 

Four honors in a declared suit count four 
times the trick point value of the suit. That is, 
in spades, 8; in clubs, 16; diamonds, 24; 
hearts, 32. 

Five honors in a declared suit count five times 
the trick point value of the suit; in spades, 10; 
clubs, 20; diamonds, 30; hearts, 40. 

Four honors in one hand count eight times 
the trick point value of the suit, or in spades, 16 ; 
clubs, 32; diamonds, 48; hearts, 64. 

Four honors with one player, the fifth with his 
partner, count nine times the trick point value 
of the suit; in spades, 18; clubs, 36; diamonds, 
54; hearts, 72. 

15 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

Five honors in one hand count ten times the 
trick point value of the suit, or in spades, 20; 
clubs, 40; diamonds, 60; hearts, 80. 

At ** no-trumps," three honors (aces) count 
30; four aces, 40; four aces in one hand, 100. 

A SLAM, a term applying to the winning by 
one side of the entire thirteen tricks, adds 40 
points to the honor score of the side so winning. 

A LITTLE SLAM, a term applying to the win- 
ning by one side of twelve of the thirteen tricks, 
adds 20 points to the honor score of the side so 
winning. 

That Bridge is not without a law of compen- 
sation to the unlucky holder may be gained from 
the following: — 

Chicane, i. e., a hand without trumps, adds 
the value of three honors to the honor score of 
the side ; or reduces by the value of three honors 
the honor score of the adversaries, in the event 
of the honors scoring adversely. 

Double chicane, no trumps in either part- 
ner's hand, diminishes the adverse honor score 
by the value of four honors. 

Finals are obtained by adding the trick and 
16 



SCORING 

honor scores of each side separately, points for 
rubber, slam, chicane, etc., having been pre- 
viously included in the honor score, and deduct- 
ing the lesser total from the greater. The dif- 
ference represents the gain. 



17 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

TABLE OF POINTS 

When trumps are S C D H 

Each trick above six counts 2 4 6 8 

Three Honors in two partners' 

hands count 4 8 12 16 

Four Honors in two partners' 

hands count 8 16 24 32 

^ / Five Honors in two partners' hands 

o \ count ID 20 30 40 

►^ J Four Honors in one hand count. 16 32 48 64 
Five Honors (one in partner's 

hand) count 18 36 54 72 

Five Honors in one hand count... 20 40 60 80 
No trumps in one hand reduces ad- 
versaries' honors 4 8 12 16 

No trumps in one hand increases 

partner's honors 4 8 12 16 

Chicane counts 4 8 12 16 

WHEN THERE ARE NO TRUMPS 

Each trick above six counts 12 

^ I Three Aces in two partners' hands count... 30 

c < Four Aces in two partners' hands count 40 

^ [^ Four Aces in one hand count 100 

Grand Slam counts 40 

Little Slam counts 20 

18 



SCORING 



SPECIMEN OF SCORE SHEET CONTAINING 
EXAMPLE RUBBER 

The horizontal line in the mid- 
dle of the diagram divides the 
honor score from the trick score. 
Tricks score below the line and 
from the top down. Honors, 
above the line, and generally, for 
greater convenience, from the bot- 
tom up. 

" A " deals and declares " no- 
trumps," scoring three by cards 
(36), and a 30-point honor score. 
36 is placed in A. B.'s " trick score, 
and 30 in their honor score. 

A line is drawn under 36 in the 
trick score to show that a game 
is completed. 

" C " next deals and passes to 
dummy, who declares " clubs," 
winning three by cards (12), and 
an honor score of 16. 12 is 
scored in the trick score, and 16 in 
the honor score of " C. D." 

" B " deals and passes to dummy, 
who declares " spades," Not be- 
ing doubled, and neither side hav- 
ing a score of 20 or over, the 
deal is not played. " A. B." 
score 2 points in their trick score, 
and " C. D." holding three honors, 
4 in their honor score. 

" D." deals and calls " hearts," 
scoring six by cards (48), and an 
honor score of 32. *' C. D." also 
add 20 points to their honor score 
because of a little slam (twelve 
out of the thirteen tricks). " C. 
D.," having won game, a line is 
again drawn in the trick score. 

" A." deals and declares 
" hearts," winning five by cards 
an honor score of 32. 

," having won the rubber (two games out of three), 
and honor scores of each side are now added, and 
sum deducted from the greater, 
's " score equals 140 points. To this 100 points are 

the rubber, making a total of 240. 
's " score equals 132. 132 deducted from 240 leaves 
, therefore, represents " A. B.'s " gain. 

19 



NAME. 

A.B. V 


HAME. 

9. C. D. 


32 
30 




20 

32 

4 

16 




36 








2 




12 

48 




40 








140 
100 




132 




240 
132 


108 



(40), and 
"A. B. 

the trick 

the lesser 
"A. B. 

added for 
"C. D. 

108. 108 



CHAPTER FIVE 

MAXIMS FOR BEGINNERS 

Be not too ambitious but satisfied rather with 
small beginnings. With study and practice only 
may you reasonably expect to become a sound 
and good player. 

Practice as far as possible with good players. 
Observe their methods, and endeavor to profit by 
their experience and example. 

Give no indication by word, sign or expres- 
sion as to the make-up of your hand ; its relative 
strength or weakness. 

As dummy be especially guarded in your man- 
ner. It is so easy by a stray word or look to 
convey to the dealer (your partner) whether you 
wish him to pass or otherwise. 

Do not parley with your make. A player who 
unduly hesitates and then passes gives impor- 
tant (though unfair) inferences to his partner, 

20 



MAXIMS FOR BEGINNERS 

often guiding him as to a declaration he would 
not otherwise make. 

As leader decide quickly whether or not you 
wish to double. Hesitation which implies that 
you almost think your hand is worth a double 
often encourages your partner to double. 

Play deliberately but not hesitatingly. Hesi- 
tation often guides the adversary as to a finesse. 

Be neither exultant over victory, nor downcast 
in defeat. A uniformly quiet manner inspires 
confidence and wins respect. 

Do not detract from your opponents* victory 
by affirming it is due to your own bad play. 
Such often is the case, but it is neither generous 
nor courteous to assert it. 

Do not find fault with your partner. Accept 
him as he is, good, bad or indifferent. Fault- 
finding accomplishes no good and often results 
in harm. 

Gather your tricks quietly and unostenta- 
tiously. Keep the cards of the trick well to- 
gether and the several tricks distinctly divided, 
so that " he who runs may read." It is often 
important that one be able to detect at a glance 

21 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

the number of tricks his side must still take to 
reach a certain goal. If the tricks are kept in 
an uneven, slovenly manner, this is difficult. 

Cheerfully concede any penalty to which you 
may have laid yourself liable. 

The ability to count thirteen and do simple 
sums, as required, in addition and subtraction, 
is one of the first requisites to the successful 
Bridge player. Bear this in mind. ^ 

Familiarize yourself at once with the respec- 
tive value of the declarations. The knowledge 
is indispensable in naming the trump. 

Know that points may be scored through hon- 
ors as well as through tricks, and govern your 
choice of declaration accordingly. 

Know that at a trump the honors are the ace, 
king, queen, jack and lo of the suit declared; at 
" no-trumps," the four aces. 

Know that 30 trick points constitute a game. 

Make game, if possible, on your deal; if you 
fail and the adversaries make game on their deal, 
they will need but one more game to win the 
rubber, while you will need two. 

Do not expect your partner to take more tricks 
22 



MAXIMS FOR BEGINNERS 

than yourself. Credit him with an average hand, 
nothing more and nothing less. An average hand 
is good for three tricks and a possible fourth. 
To be sure, if your hand be considerably above 
the average, your partner's may be considerably 
below, and vice versa. 

Never lose sight of the score. Name the 
trump to the score, and play to the score. That 
is, so name the trump and regulate your play 
as will be most likely to insure the needful tricks 
to make, or, failing this, to save game. You save 
game when you prevent the adversaries from 
making game. 

Have fixed standards for your declarations. 
Your partner if knowing this will be enabled the 
more readily to infer as to your holding when 
you pass. The inference may guide him as to 
his declaration. 

Know that at love score game would be im- 
possible with a black declaration. At this score 
pass the make unless you can declare " no- 
trumps," hearts, or, possibly, diamonds. 

Declare " no-trumps " when you hold four 
aces, or three aces, or two aces with guarded 

2a 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

king or queen (king is better) in the two re- 
maining suits. Generally declare " no-trumps " 
when holding a black suit of six or more cards 
headed by ace, king and queen, and still another 
ace. 

As you advance in the game, you will learn 
that when you make to the score, that is, when 
you need expensive points to carry you out, you 
will occasionally declare " no-trumps " on some- 
what less strength than the above. 

Love score is when you have no score. Love 
all, when neither side has a score. 

Declare hearts when you hold seven, or six 
with at least one honor, five with two, or four 
with three, if, especially in the two cases last 
named, you hold more or less outside protection, 
guarded kings or queens, or another fairly good 
suit. The stronger the trump suit, the less out- 
side strength needed, and vice versa. A king is 
guarded if accompanied by one smaller card; a 
queen if accompanied by two. One must con- 
sider always, however, the chance of being led 
through in a single honor suit and the honor 
not making at all. It is better if the honors 

24 



MAXIMS FOR BEGINNERS 

are securely guarded, as when king is accom- 
panied by two others, one an honor; queen, by 
jack and one other; jack, by lo and two 
others. 

Declare hearts when you hold four honors in 
the suit regardless of other protection. (This 
for the honor score.) 

Declare diamonds on practically the same 
strength given for hearts. Think twice before 
naming diamonds at love score on the first or 
rubber game. 

As dealer declare clubs or spades only when 
the make is to the score; that is, when few 
points only are needed for game, and you hold 
exceptional strength in the particular suit. To 
declare clubs your score should be not less than 
i8; to declare spades, not less than 24. 

Do not be so carried away with the allure- 
ments of an expensive make that you will de- 
clare a doubtful " no-trump," hearts or diamonds 
when clubs or spades would apparently win 
game. 

As DUMMY study your hand first to see if you 
may call "no-trumps." Next consider it with 
25 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

reference to hearts, then diamonds, then clubs 
and lastly spades. Try to infer as to your part- 
ner's holding. The inference may help you in 
your declaration. 

To declare " no-trumps," hearts or diamonds, 
observe practically the rules given for these dec- 
larations by the dealer. If you err at all, let it 
be on the side of added strength. Remember, 
your hand is to be exposed. 

Clubs, though, so to speak, a defensive make, 
should not be declared without club strength. 
A weak club is liable to be doubled. 

When your hand shuts out any other declara- 
tion, declare spades. If you have strength in 
spades, so much the better. Spades more often 
than not, however, are the outcome of a weak 
hand, and declared, not with the hope of win- 
ningj but of losing as little as possible. 

As ELDER at a declared trump generally try to 
hold the lead until you have seen dummy. The 
lead of ace or king from an ace, king suit will 
effect this object, and usually is the best lead you 
can make. 

Until you have made quite an advance in the 
26 



MAXIMS FOR BEGINNERS 

game, have nothing to do with doubling. The 
practice at best is fraught with danger. 

Carefully study dummy's hand and see what 
it suggests. When you have led from an ace, 
king suit, you will often find it well to follow 
with commanding card remaining. But see 
page 73. 

If the trumps are heavily against you, lead 
your commanding or high cards early. Try to 
make every trick possible before the dealer gets 
in the lead. Your time usually is short and it 
behooves you to use it to the utmost. 

Often a good secondary lead is the lead 
of a suit in which dummy is strong. See 
page 85. 

A short suit headed by two or more high cards 
in sequence is often a good suit to lead, especially 
if a higher card of the suit (not the ace) be with 
dummy. Two or more cards of consecutive 
value constitute a sequence, as ace, king; king, 
queen; queen, jack, 10, etc. 

Lead highest card from a short suit headed 
by high cards in sequence; also the highest 
from a short suit headed by jack or lower 
27 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

card. A short suit is a suit of three or less 
cards; a long suit, one of four or more. 

If weak in trumps, holding three or less, a 
singleton lead is often a good lead. If your 
partner wins the trick and returns the lead, you 
may ruff the suit; that is, play a small trump and 
thus secure the trick. A singleton is a lone card 
of a suit. 

On a passed make avoid the lead of a short 
black suit. The dealer is evidently stronger in 
black suits than red, and, ostensibly, you v/ould 
be leading up to strength. 

On a passed make, lead from a short heart 
suit in preference to a short diamond. 

When at a trump declaration you lead from 
your long suit, lead according to rules given on 
page 71, which see. 

At ** no-trumps " lead from your long suit and 
try to establish it. You may succeed in bringing 
it in. A suit is established when you hold the 
full control; that is, when no one else can take 
a trick in the suit. You bring in a suit when you 
make tricks with all the remaining cards of the 
suit, 

28 



MAXIMS FOR BEGINNERS 

At " no-trumps " unless your suit is excep- 
tionally strong, containing seven or more cards, 
or three honors, lead fourth best card rather 
than high. You thus insure the best means of 
remaining with the ultimate full control. See 
page 93. 

As SECOND PLAYER generally play low on low 
card led if dummy's cards are low. However, 
see pages 98 and 99. 

As THIRD PLAYER, to your partner's lead of a 
small card, play the highest card you hold of the 
suit, unless dummy has played a card higher than 
you hold, when you play your lowest, or unless 
the cards heading the suit in your hand are in 
sequence, when you play lowest of sequence. 

Always play lowest of cards in sequence ex- 
cept when you are the dealer. The dealer alone 
can afford to deceive. 

Include as cards in sequence any in dummy's 
hand which are in sequence with your own. If 
you hold queen, 10, etc., and dummy jack of the 
suit of which your partner leads small, dummy's 
jack and your queen and 10 are in sequence, and 
you play 10, lowest of the sequence. 
29 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

Make no finesse in your partner's suit except 
as it bears upon a high card of the suit held by 
dummy. See page 105. Finesse is the effort to 
win a trick with a card lower than your highest 
of the suit led and not in sequence with it. 

On your partner's lead of a high card at " no- 
trump," under certain conditions prepare to un- 
block; that is, play so as to leave your partner 
rather than you with final command. See pages 
108 and 109. 

At a declared trump, if your partner, leads 
king of a suit of which you hold two cards only 
(one not being an honor) or queen and two 
small, play first the higher and then the lower 
card. Such play is known as an echo and shows 
that you can ruff third round of the suit or hold 
command. 

At " no-trumps " return your partner's suit at 
once unless you have an established suit of your 
own. Then lead your suit. 

Return the higher of two, or the lowest of 
three or more save when you hold the command 
or both second and third best. 

At a declared trump the return of your part- 
30 



MAXIMS FOR BEGINNERS 

ner's suit is not obligatory. Generally return the 
suit, however, if you suspect that your partner 
holds the command, or that he has led short for 
a ruff, or if you yourself hold the command, or 
may ruff the third round. 

Study dummy's hand and profit by it to the 
utmost. It often suggests something better than 
the return of your partner's suit. 

The lead of a suit in which dummy is weak 
is usually a good lead, especially so if dummy 
holds no honor in the suit and you may lead a 
card higher than his highest. 

No stronger principles obtain in Bridge than 
those of leading through the strong and, con- 
versely, up to the weak. Leading through the 
strong is to lead such suit as will make the player 
who is strong in the suit become second player 
to the trick. Leading up to the weak is to lead 
such suit as will make the player who is weak in 
the suit he fourth player to the trick. In both 
cases third player (your partner) has the ad- 
vantage of position. 

As younger, if you are weak in trumps, adopt 
the line of play suggested under similar condi- 
31 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

tions for the elder. That is, lead high or com- 
manding cards early so as to make them before 
the suits in which they occur may be ruffed; 
or lead from a short suit or a singleton in the 
hope of making one or more of your small 
trumps before the dealer leads trumps and ex- 
hausts you. 

Discard first from your best suit; the suit 
you wish your partner to lead ; this, in the event 
that you have not already led the suit. In later 
discards think only of the best protection of the 
hand. A discard is the play of a card of a suit 
other than the suit led when you have none of 
the suit led and do not trump. 

Whatever your position at table, whenever 
possible force the adversary who is strong in 
trumps. That is, lead such suit and such card 
of the suit as you know he must trump if he 
would win the trick. 

As DEALER study your own and dummy's 
hands thoroughly before making a play. Decide 
upon your campaign and bring all your powers 
to bear upon its successful issue. You have the 
advantage of knowing not only the exact forces 
32 



MAXIMS FOR BEGINNERS 

at your command, but the exact force combined 
against you. 

Generally lead trumps if you and dummy to- 
gether hold the majority, seven or more. If you 
can first give your weak trump hand a chance 
to ruff, it is often well to do so. 

Work to establish the suit which is longest in 
the two hands. Work to estabHsh it in the hand 
which is longest. A suit divided six and three is 
a better suit to establish than one divided five 
and four, as it would score an additional trick. 

Work for re-entries in the hand where you 
hope to establish the suit. A re-entry is a card 
that mill enable you at a later stage to recover 
the lead. 

As a rule lead the highest card from the short 
suit hand to the long. If it wins the trick, fol- 
low with next best of the suit. This is generally 
the surest way of establishing the suit with the 
least possible loss. 

Watch the adversaries' discards. They will 
often guide you as to which of your two hands 
can best venture a finesse. 

Make no finesse in a suit of which you and 
33 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

dummy together hold nine cards, including both 
ace and king. The other four will usually fall 
in two rounds. 

Make no finesse against the adversary who 
holds an established suit. 

By every means which are not prejudicial to 
your interests, endeavor to deceive the adver- 
saries. Play the highest rather than lowest of 
cards in sequence, make unconventional leads, 
false discards, etc. Having no partner, though 
two adversaries to deceive, deception is one of 
your strongholds of defence. 



34 



CHAPTER SIX 

THE DECLARATION BY THE DEALER 

Nothing perhaps more closely marks the 
dividing line between the good and the average 
player than the fineness of judgment brought to 
bear upon the declaration. 

More points are lost through unsound makes 
than through incorrect play, and the player's 
first ambition, therefore, should be to acquire 
proficiency and skill in the respect of the makes. 
At the same time it cannot but be admitted that 
the best of makers err at times ; no one and no 
judgment is infallible. Besides, the unforeseen 
and at times unusual distribution of the cards 
often upsets the closest reasoning ; calculations go 
wildly astray, and luck alone becomes the domi- 
nant and controlling element. 

However, the make which with average as- 
sistance from one's partner will bring about the 
best results in the greatest number of cases is 
35 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

the make which should be called. The follow- 
ing pages are designed gradually to lead up to 
the various conditions by which the respective 
worth of the respective makes is usually deter- 
mined, and their careful perusal is strongly 
recommended. 

Various important factors enter into the cal- 
culation of the dealer bearing upon the declara- 
tion, notably, the state of the score, the general 
make-up of his hand, the chance of a double, 
and, — what his partner would likely declare in 
the event of his passing. 

We should be firmly impressed with the im- 
portance of making a high score, game if at all 
possible, on our deal. The deal carries with it 
an immense advantage, one, however, which is 
but short-lived, and which, therefore, we should 
utilize to the utmost. Since from love with a 
black trump game would be impossible, unless 
our hand warrant " no-trumps " or a red declara- 
tion, preferably hearts, we should pass the make 
in the hope that partner will call "no-trumps," 
hearts or diamonds and insure a chance at least 
of our making game. 

36 



DECLARATION BY DEALER 

Naturally, because of its fascinating possibil- 
ities for a large score, the desideratum of all 
players is a no-trump hand. The " no-trumper," 
par excellence, is a hand with the four aces. 
Hands with four, or even three aces are, how- 
ever, like the traditional visits of angels, " few 
and far between," and the question at issue con- 
cerns not so much hands of this strength, as 
hands of variously diminishing strength; prac- 
tical, everyday hands, such as constantly come 
within our experience, and are susceptible of 
good results only as correctly generaled. 

No more in Bridge than in Whist is there a 
royal road to victory. The player unprepared to 
cope with difficulties, or to face situations mak- 
ing demands upon his judgment and mentality, 
will meet with many awakenings, for the most 
part the reverse of agreeable, as he pursues the 
feeble tenor of his way. 

A declaration should never be made, nor a 
make doubled, until the declarant or doubler has 
first made a careful study of the score. He 
should know the precise number of tricks he 
must needs score to make game, or, failing this, 

37 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

to save game, they of course varying in the sev- 
eral deals by reason of the changing trick values 
and the changing scores. 

A conservative " no-trump " hand is one which 
contains a sure trick in every suit. 

When the make is to the score, i. e., when 
expensive points are needed to carry one out, 
" no-trump " is at times called on hands which 
at other scores would be prohibitive. Risks of 
this nature are oftenest ventured at a desperate 
score on the rubber game, or when we are a 
game to the bad, and bold means must be em- 
ployed if bold ends would be attained. This 
brings to mind the oft repeated and sound in- 
junction: — Be venturesome and bold when play- 
ing a losing game, cautious and conservative 
when ahead. In the one case there is everything 
to gain and little to lose; in the other, it is 
better to lean toward safety, discretion being 
usually its own best reward. 

To summarize: — With a game to the good, 

and especially when well along on a second 

game, declare conservatively. With a game to 

the bad, and especially when behind on the sec- 

38 



DECLARATION BY DEALER 

ond, or when, in the rubber game, the score is 
heavily adverse, declare boldly. With even 
games, love all, declare much the same as at 
love all on the first game. 

When in doubt between " no-trump " and a 
suit, the score alone should decide the question. 
When, for instance, game for our side would 
mean several tricks, but for the adversaries, few, 
the score, say, being lo to 26 in their favor, " no- 
trump " should be called ; with the scores re- 
versed, the suit. 

Again : — If the odd at " no-trump " would put 
the adversaries out, but the suit odd would leave 
them in, the suit should be declared, and more 
than ever if the suit odd would score game for 
our side. 

Illustrations bearing upon the makes could be 
given without number, but this work is but a 
digest on the game of Bridge, and designed 
chiefly to suggest the correct line of thought. 
As will be seen, however, and as will constantly 
be more and more impressed upon the mind of the 
student, the score is the pivotal point round which 
the declarations at all times revolve, and declara- 
39 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

tions which would be entirely sound at some 
scores would be distinctly unsound at others. 

A make which falls short of a standard is very 
apt to be doubled, and any doubled declaration 
but a spade may score game even from love. 
With the declarant the victor, well and good! 
With the opponents the victors, he (the decla- 
rant) will find to his sorrow that his rashness 
has proved expensive, it being visited upon him 
doublefold. 

A distinct advantage possessed by a " no- 
trump " over a suit declaration is that the adver- 
saries are thereby kept in the dark, sometimes 
until an advanced stage, as to our possible one 
weak suit, and in consequence often lead and 
play to our direct advantage. 

However, an important factor present at a 
trump but absent at " no-trump " is the ability to 
ruff. This, however, often resolves itself into a 
weapon with a reversible edge, as potent for 
harm as for good, and, therefore, should not for 
a moment enter into our calculations bearing 
upon the make if the conditions otherwise are 
favorable to " no-trump." 
40 



DECLARATION BY DEALER 

And now as to what our partner would likely 
declare in the event of our passing. The answer 
is forthcoming: — If there can be no question of 
" no-trump," and as to this our own hand gener- 
ally will aid us in determining, more often than 
not the suit in which we are weakest. We should 
carefully consider therefore, what assistance, if 
any, we could render in this particular suit, and 
then, weighing in the balance its respective worth 
as against what we would declare, give the pref- 
erence to whichever apparently promises the best 
results. 

We must learn to judge from our holding as 
to our partner's holding and most likely declara- 
tion. If we hold a single ace, or none at all, 
there is often a chance, and especially in the lat- 
ter case, that he may call " no-trump " on aces. 
Holding ourselves two aces, this chance is prac- 
tically eliminated. 

Holding two honors in hearts, there is little 
chance that he will call hearts. 

If we hold a singleton, or are void entirely of 
one suit, long and short suits are evidently the 
rule, and we may pretty safely assume, not only 
41 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

that partner holds a short suit, but an exception- 
ally long one. 

If our hand be exceptionally red, partner's 
should be exceptionally black, and vice versa. 
In the one case we could expect only a black 
declaration, in the other, likely hearts or dia- 
monds. 



The following cover general cases where " no- 
trumps " should be declared : — 

When holding four, or even three aces, with 

or without other protection. 
When holding two aces, with guarded king 

or queen, preferably king, in at least one of 

the two remaining suits. 
When holding one ace with guarded king or 

queen, preferably king, in the three remain- 
ing suits. 
When holding a black suit of six or more 

cards headed by the tierce major, {ace, king, 

queen) and still another ace."^ 

* Hands repeatedly come up which, while not con- 
forming strictly to the elements of strength specified 
42 



DECLARATION BY DEALER 

" No-trumps " from four aces calls for no 
comment. loo points above the line are an as- 
sured fact, and should far more than offset the 
possible loss below. However, with four tricks 
in sight, and dummy to reckon upon, the cases 
would be exceptional where a goodly number 
should not appear below. " No-trumps " from 
four aces should be called at any score. 

" No-trumps " from three aces even lacking 
other protection, is practically obligatory. At 

in the above rules, nevertheless contain equivalent 
strength, and undoubtedly warrant a "no-trump" dec- 
laration. 

To the practiced player such cases will present no 
difficulty; however, the beginner and the moderate 
player will often find themselves in doubt. 

For such the following test, commonly known as 
the "Robertson Rule," will prove of great benefit: 

Count each ace as 7, each king as 5, each queen as 3, 
each jack as 2, and each 10 as i, and if the sum total 
reaches 24, and at least three suits are protected, "no- 
trumps" should be declared. (The advanced player 
will usually declare " no-trumps " if the sum total 
reaches 21.) 

A singleton ace counts 4 only, a singleton king 2 and 
a singleton queen i. 

43 



B'RIDGE ABRIDGED 

the same time there are some who argue that 
" no-trumps " without four tricks assured, or 
with one suit defenceless, unless warranted by 
the score, is unsound. Experience nevertheless 
has shown that " no-trumps " under conditions 
as above described more often than not results in 
gain. If the unknown quantity in dummy's hand 
prove equal to the occasion, a good score is prac- 
tically assured. In any event the 30 point honor 
score should offset, or nearly so, the possible loss 
of the trick score. However, should the hand 
contain a strong heart suit which insures fair 
promise of winning the game and the certainty 
of not losing it, preference undoubtedly should 
be given hearts. 

" No-trumps " from two aces, though with 
guarded king or queen in a third suit; or from 
one ace and guarded honors in all the other 
suits, though to be sure attended with more or 
less risk, is nevertheless entirely sound and con- 
sistent with the principles of good Bridge. 
Bridge, it must be borne in mind, is to a greater 
or less degree a game of risks, and who would 
wish it otherwise? Absolutely to be guaranteed 
44 



DECLARATION BY DEALER 

against loss in each and every situation would 
deprive the game of one of its greatest charms, 
involving no fine play, and therefore reducing it 
to a mere mechanical level. 

Especially from the first holding should " no- 
trumps " be called if the two aces are red, as 
this would greatly lessen the chance of any 
but a black make on the pass; or from both 
holdings, if the ace suits have other protec- 
tion, or if the protected honors are protected 
by other honors, as therein would lie added 
strength. 

" No-trumps " from a black suit of six or 
more cards containing ace, king and queen (if 
the suit were red, the suit generally should be 
called) and another ace — the sine qua nan to the 
make — would be very unlikely to miss the mark. 
It is thoroughly sound and generally results in 
a good score. 

Some players recommend " no-trumps " from 
hands which, though void of an ace, contain 
guarded king in each of the four suits. One 
exponent asserts that the substitution of guarded 
queen, jack, for king in one of the suits need 
45 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

not necessarily place the hand beyond the pale 
of a " no-trumper," provided the kings be 
guarded by one or more lower honors. 

" NO-TRUMPS " TO THE SCORE 

When it is apparent that our only chance de- 
pends upon an expensive make, a weak " no- 
trump," it will be found, will usually turn out 
better than a weak heart or diamond. As a rule 
expensive makes to the score should be attempted 
only at a heavily adverse score in the rubber 
game or when we are a game to the bad. 

With the adversaries perhaps 24 to our love 
on the first game, or when we are a game ahead, 
our declaration as a rule should be conservative. 
A risky make at this juncture might enable the 
adversaries to win on our deal and thus give 
them the advantage of starting the new game 
on their deal. Having the deal at the begin- 
ning of a new game, especially the rubber game, 
or when few points only are needed for game 
(not the rubber game) are entirely separate and 
distinct things. 

" No-trumps " to the score may be called on 
46 



DECLARATION BY DEALER 

Two aces, one being in sequence with king, 
or when there is some protection, even well 
gimrded jack, in a third suit. 

One ace, guarded king or queen in a second 
suit, and both king and queen in a third. 

One ace and high card protection, preferably 
kings or queens, in two of the remaining 
suits. 

A long black suit {six or more cards), con- 
taining ace, king and queen, and guarded 
king of another suit. 

Guarded king in each of the four suits. 

HEART MAKES 

When convinced of the impracticability of a 
" no-trump '' declaration, we next study our 
hand, naturally, with a view to its heart possi- 
bilities. 

A heart make is of little less intrinsic value 
than " no-trumps," three tricks being needed for 
game from love at "no-trump," and but one 
more, or four, at hearts. Therefore, if halting 
between the two declarations, because of the 
additional risk which " no-trump " generally en- 
47 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

tails, the choice as a rule should rest with the 
suit. 

When, however, there can be no question of 
"no-trumps," and hearts are doubtful, hearts 
nevertheless should generally be called if our 
hand assures three certain tricks and a probable 
fourth. Our only hope in passing would be 
that dummy would call " no-trump,'' and unless 
our own hand strongly points to this prob- 
ability, to pass would simply be to incur needless 
risk. 

An ingenious method of estimating the value 
of a trump is given by Charles Stuart Street, as 
follows: — (To the beginner at least it will be 
found of much help.) 

To the number of cards in the suit considered 
add the number of honors it contains, and the 
certain outside tricks, counting each ace and 
guarded king as a trick. If the sum total reaches 
eight, the chances are in its favor; if more than 
eight, strongly so. If less than eight, as a 
rule it should be abandoned. 

The following cover general cases where 
hearts should be called: — 
48 



DECLARATION BY DEALER 

When holding seven with or without honors, 
or six with at best one honor, if in the lat- 
ter case there is some outside strength. 

When holding five with at least two honors. 

In many such cases, however, there should be 
more or less outside protection depending in 
inverse ratio upon the number and particular 
value of the honors. With ace and king or with 
three honors, it is generally called regardless 
of other considerations. With queen or jack 
as the higher of two honors, at least two out- 
side tricks or a fairly good four or five card 
plain suit should be in evidence. 

(Hearts from five with one honor, and a four 
or five card plain suit, which may be easily es- 
tablished, is usually a sound declaration.) 
Declare hearts when holding four with three 
honors, if holding another fairly good four 
or live card suit; or if the hand promises 
at least two outside tricks. 
Declare hearts from four with four honors 

regardless of outside strength. 
(The honor score, 64 points, would likely 
49 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

more than offset the possible loss of the trick 
score, and while as a rule, trick scores should 
be the first consideration, an honor score of 
this value is not to be ignored.) 

DIAMOND MAKES 

Diamonds occupy a somewhat anomalous posi- 
tion in the line of declarations. They represent, 
so to speak, the border line between attack and 
defence. Strictly speaking, they are not of the 
former class, and yet unquestionably they are not 
of the latter. 

As from love score at a diamond trump eleven 
tricks would be needed for game, at love on the 
first or rubber game, or when we are a game to 
the bad, diamonds should rarely if ever be de- 
clared. To be sure, if the suit were exception- 
ally strong and the hand otherwise so constructed 
as practically to preclude the chance of " no- 
trumps " or hearts on the pass, the better policy 
might be to declare them, and get a start at least 
on the game. However, a hand so constructed 
might easily merge into a " no-trump " hand, and 
50 



DECLARATION BY DEALER 

so of itself settle the question by leaving dia- 
monds out of the question. 

The border line between a trump and a " no- 
trump " hand is at times almost indistinguish- 
able, appealing only to a player of the finest and 
most delicate perception. It behooves us, there- 
fore, at all times to study our hand carefully and 
well before announcing a declaration which at 
the next moment perhaps we should be glad to 
rescind. 

In cases where it is of vital importance that 
the game be won before the deal with the mani- 
fold advantage which it usually entails passes to 
the adversary, the adversaries perhaps being 24 
to our love, we should rarely, if ever, declare 
diamonds. 

On the other hand, to pass a diamond which 
with average help from dummy should score the 
needful tricks for game, for a possible " no- 
trump " or hearts, would be unwise. Game 
always should take precedence of a large 
score, and at no time should we incur needless 
risk. 

However, when with a very low score, per- 
51 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

haps 6 or less, we are in doubt between a dia- 
mond and "no-trump," the choice generally 
should rest with the latter. The risk, to be 
sure, would be greater — since " no-trump " 
makes as a rule are attended with more risk 
than a trump — ^but so, in the event of the deal 
scoring in our favor, would be the attendant 
gain. 

It cannot but be admitted that there is a grow- 
ing prejudice, especially among our own players, 
against an original declaration of diamonds. 
They have been found so often to result disas- 
trously when, had the make been passed, dummy 
could have called " no-trump " or hearts, with 
unusually fine results, or, make being passed, 
dummy has coolly announced a spade, that what- 
ever we do we wish usually we had done the 
other thing. Reason, not prejudice, however, 
should govern the case, and when the score and 
the conditions generally seem favorable to dia- 
monds, diamonds should be declared. When 
the reverse is the case, we should call upon 
dummy. 

The rules governing the diamond make are 
52 



DECLARATION BY DEALER 

practically the same as those governing hearts, 
which see. If we err at all, it is best to do so on 
the side of added strength.* 

BLACK SUIT MAKES 

As has been repeatedly impressed upon us, 
the attitude of the dealer is essentially that of 
attack. Defence, if defence becomes necessary, 
is the province of dummy. 

The black suits, therefore, the inherent value 
of both of which is exceedingly small, should 
never be declared originally, except when, at an 
advanced score, we are sufficiently strong in the 
particular suit as, with average assistance from 
dummy, practically to be assured of the few 
tricks needed for game. 

At love score, or any score where expensive 
points are demanded, not for a moment should 
they enter into our calculation. 

Clubs may be called, the conditions being as 
above described, from i8 and over; spades, 

* It is rarely, if ever, advisable to declare diamonds 
on four, save when including four honors. 

S3 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

from 24 and over. At the score of 24 or over 
unless assured of our own make v^e should pass. 

At 24 all on the rubber game many players 
pass on fairly good " all round " strength in the 
belief that their hand will fit in with whatever 
dummy may declare, and in the hope that he 
(dummy) may be warranted in declaring richly. 

An innovation which is meeting with much 
favor and bids fair to become one of the recog- 
nized features of the game of Bridge, is the 
abandonment of an undoubled spade hand unless 
the score of either side stands at 20 or more. In 
an abandoned spade hand 2 points (one trick) 
are conceded to the dealer, and the honors, as in 
other deals, score to the side holding the 
majority. 

In cases where our hand seemingly is without 
a trick, and especially when we are a game to 
the good, some players advocate a " defensive 
spade " in preference to a pass. They reason 
that as dummy's make would likely be expensive, 
and we would be powerless to help, the results 
could hardly be other than disastrous. Whether 
or not the policy will be generally adopted re- 
54 



DECLARATION BY DEALER 

mains to be seen. Its objectors style it " The 
Spade Heresy." 

A serious objection certainly to its adoption 
is that it is a complete " give-away " of our hand 
and, in conjunction with the exposed hand, ren- 
ders us from the start an easy prey to the shafts 
of our opponents. 

As " Badsworth " points out, an original pro- 
tective policy is very apt to overreach itself. 
Starting, apparently innocently enough, with the 
least valuable declaration and in cases where the 
dealer's hand does not assure a single trick, it 
requires fine discrimination indeed, as well per- 
haps as a certain amount of moral courage, 
closely to draw the line as regards other declara- 
tions, and cases where the hand promises per- 
haps one trick, or a trick and a half, or possibly 
two tricks. 

As a matter of fact, some advocate a " defen- 
sive club," in cases, for instance, where the clubs 
number four or five with perhaps as many honors, 
and the hand throughout is so uncompromisingly 
black that a passed red make points to disaster. 
Others recommend under certain conditions a 
55 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

** defensive diamond " ; and, as the culminating 
cap-sheaf, " Badsworth " cites the case of a 
player who explained his declaration of a heart, 
which, it is needless to say, resulted disastrously, 
on the grounds that it was a " defensive heart." 
An original protective policy has besides the 
disadvantage of depriving one's partner, whose 
interest in the game and its successful issue is 
certainly equal with the dealer's, and who should 
be depended upon at all times and in all situations 
to do the best of which he is capable, of his right- 
ful share in the choice of declarations, and thus 
not only reduces him to a mere figurehead in the 
game, but at times shuts out a good make which 
he could carry alone. 



56 



CHAPTER SEVEN 

THE DECLARATION BY DUMMY 

The considerations and rules governing the 
declaration by the dealer, save only that bearing 
upon his partner's probable make in the event of 
his passing, apply, though in a somewhat modi- 
fied sense, to the declaration by dummy. 

While a passed make does not necessarily 
imply weakness save in the respect of aces and 
the red suits, more particularly hearts, it never- 
theless is a tacit admission that the dealer's hand 
is not up to the standard of an expensive make, 
and especially at a desperate score, conveys with 
it a sign manual of the hope of a good declara- 
tion from dummy. 

The importance of making to the score should 
be as patent to dummy as to the dealer. Dummy 
should in fact at any score and at all times de- 
clare richly if his hand at all warrants his so do- 
57 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

ing. Judgment and common sense, however, 
must be brought to bear, and by reason of the 
fact that his hand is to be exposed and serve as 
a vantage ground, as it were, not alone for his 
partner, but for his opponents, he is less war- 
ranted, perhaps, than the dealer in too closely 
" running the gauntlet." 

When the dealer declares he is often accred- 
ited with greater strength than he in reality pos- 
sesses. Not so, however, with dummy. The mo- 
ment his hand is upon the table its true essentials 
are known. Without gloss or dissimulation, in 
all its bare, unvarnished details, it stands ex- 
posed. The most strategic management can ac- 
complish nothing from it in the way of decep- 
tion. Unconventional plays cannot mislead, nor 
can false cards deceive. In truth, when exposed 
to the cold scrutiny of calculating opponents, 
its very strength seems often perceptibly to di- 
minish, and its weakness to become accen- 
tuated. 

As can be seen, then, a make which falls be- 
low the requisites to a standard is much more apt 
to result in loss when declared by dummy, than 
S8 



DECLARATION BY DUMMY 

when originally declared. Because of the dealer's 
acknowledged weakness in the red suits, a " no- 
trump" lacking red suit strength, especially 
heart strength, is risky and as a rule unwise. 
However, if the make is to the score, a weak " no- 
trump " is generally better than a weak red, be- 
cause of the greater liability in the latter case to 
a double. 

In considering a light " no-trumper," dummy 
should to some extent take into account the play- 
ing capacity of the dealer, he who will have the 
exclusive management of the two hands. With 
a player of doubtful ability, especially if pitted 
against strong opponents, fewer chances should 
be taken than with one of acknowledged strength. 
Even a thoroughly good player resents at times 
being called upon to make something out of prac- 
tically nothing. It is not every one who can 
bring the same philosophy to bear as the player 
who affirmed that he made it a rule never to find 
fault with his partner's (dummy's) declarations; 
that the weaker the " no-trump " hand he made 
for him to play, the more he took it as a com- 
pliment. 

59 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

The test given for a trump declaration by the 
dealer should be used by dummy also; in dum- 
my's case, however, the sum total should reach 
nine. 

The rules given for the original heart make 
apply, though perhaps in a modified sense, to the 
passed make as well. To make the declaration 
absolutely sound dummy's own hand should in- 
sure four tricks. 

The same, virtually, may be said of diamonds. 
Diamonds, though, are at times ventured on 
somewhat less strength than hearts because of 
the well known fact that the dealer will occa- 
sionally pass a fair diamond in the hope that 
dummy may call " no-trumps " or hearts. 

It should constantly be borne in mind that the 
weaker the declaration, the greater the liability 
to a double. Clubs, therefore, though properly 
belonging to the defensive makes, should not be 
risked without average club strength, and, gen- 
erally, more or less outside protection. The 
stronger the club suit in itself, the less outside 
protection needful, and vice versa. A doubled 
club, which would make the value of the suit 
60 



DECLARATION BY DUMMY 

equal with hearts, could easily carry the adver- 
saries out even from love. 

Not so, however, a doubled spade. Spades, 
by reason of their very nature, are the natural 
refuge of a weak hand, and declared, regard- 
less of any special holding in the suit, when the 
hand practically shuts out any other declaration. 
Though at times, to be sure, they are declared 
from strength, more often than not they repre- 
sent weakness, and are called, not with the hope 
or expectation of winning, but of losing as little 
as possible. 



6i 



CHAPTER EIGHT 

DOUBLING 

The general make-up of one's hand, the state 
of the score, the particular value of the declara- 
tion, and the inferences it gives as to the maker's 
holding, the chance of a re-double, the position 
one occupies with regard to the maker, to say 
nothing of one's knowledge of the playing abil- 
ity of the dealer, — each and all should enter into 
the calculation of the player who contemplates 
doubling. 

Under the most favorable conditions doubling 
necessarily entails greater or less risk. The 
chance that the adversaries' score may be in- 
creased to double, or, in the event of a re-double, 
to quadruple what it ordinarily would be, is no 
light consideration. Therefore, unless the score, 
and the conditions generally, fully justify the 
double, the practice is one infinitely more hon- 
ored in the breach than the observance. 

As a rule when the advisability of a double is 
62 



DOUBLING 

in doubt, the benefit of the doubt should be given 
its negative side, and, instead of from the house- 
tops proclaiming our strength, we should grace- 
fully accept the policy of concealment. Doubling 
of necessity gives valuable inferences as to where 
the adverse strength chiefly lies, and the dealer's 
shots from the first may be definite and direct 
rather than tentative and uncertain. 

The beginner at least should have nothing to 
do with doubling. In fact until a player is en- 
tirely famiHar with the principles of scoring, and 
fairly well along in the intricacies of the game, 
he should let doubling discreetly alone, being 
warned by the not infrequent cases where a too 
ambitious and over-confident player has spread 
his pinions before they were yet ready for flight, 
and as a result covered both himself and his 
partner with confusion and defeat. 

As a matter of fact, among the strongest and 
best players, where the declaration is on a sound 
basis and the inherent principles of the game 
thoroughly understood, doubling is but Httle 
practiced and re-doubling is almost unknown. 
It is usually the less sound and more visionary 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

who delight in the process, those who belong to 
the category of "adventurous no-trumpers" and 
" light-hearted makers of expensive suits." 

Before venturing upon a double we should be 
entirely familiar with the score; not simply of 
our side, but of the adverse side as well. Hav- 
ing in mind the increased value of trick points 
which doubling would involve, we should know 
the precise number of tricks which either side 
must needs score to make game, and whether, in 
the event of the odd scoring to the dealer, he 
would make game because of the increased value, 
whereas otherwise he would not. We should 
calculate also upon the chance of a re-double and 
the bearing this would have upon the dealer's 
score. 

It is perhaps easier to say when we should not 
double than when we should: — 

Never unless prepared for a re-double. 

Never when we need but the odd trick, but the 
adversaries two or more to win out. 

Rarely at love-all unless practically assured of 
the odd. The dealer may re-double and win 
game. 

64 



DOUBLING 

Rarely at "no-trumps" (save the score points 
to a desperation make), unless our own hand 
assures us of six tricks and a possible seventh. 
As the declarant has presumably a strong hand, 
'twere folly to depend upon partner for more 
than one trick, if that. A double of "no-trumps" 
on fairly good "all round" strength is seldom 
advisable. 

Rarely on spades unless assured from our own 
hand of four tricks and a possible fifth; or on 
clubs, diamonds or hearts, save to the score, 
unless assured of five tricks and a possible sixth. 

We should bear in mind that doubling informs 
the dealer as to which is the strong adversary, 
and enables him the more readily to locate honors 
and to judge on which side to take finesses ; also, 
that a double against the dealer is as a rule at- 
tended with greater risk than against dummy. 
With a weak hand, the dealer has the alternative 
of passing; dummy has no such privilege. 

A good time to double, the conditions other- 
wise justifying it, is when the adversaries need 
but the odd trick, but we two or more to make 
game. A double under these conditions does not 

65 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

necessarily call for exceptional strength, and 
partner may often be depended upon for an aver- 
age hand and perhaps the accredited three tricks. 

Also a good time to double is when the double 
assures a reasonable prospect of winning game, 
with little or no fear of losing it in the event of 
a re-double. 

As a bold make is warranted at times because 
of a desperate score, so a bold double is occa- 
sionally warranted because of similar reasons. 
We should bear in mind, however, the condi- 
tions being of this nature, the great danger of 
being re-doubled, and perhaps suffering com- 
plete rout. 

Because of the uncertainty surrounding the 
spade make, a double of spades does not neces- 
sarily call for spade strength if the hand be 
otherwise strong. 

A double of clubs, diamonds or hearts calls for 
trump strength. 

The elder hand may double "no-trump" on any 
long fully established suit, when his hand is good 
for six tricks and a possible seventh. 

The younger hand should double "no-trumps" 
66 



DOUBLING 

only when holding a fully established suit, or at 
least exceptional strength, in hearts; or when, 
holding any established suit, he holds the ace of 
hearts as a re-entry. As in the case of the elder, 
unless the score points to a desperate make, he 
should be good for six tricks and a possible 
seventh. 

The player doubling is best situated with re- 
gard to the maker when he is on the maker's 
left. This enables him to play after the strong 
player and therefore at times to make deep fin- 
esses. The elder hand is in the best position to 
double when the dealer is the maker, and the 
younger, when dummy. 

RE-DOUBLING 

The various considerations relative to the ex- 
pediency of a double should guide us as to the 
expediency of a re-double. We should further 
consider the chance of again being gone over, 
and the bearing this would have upon the score 
of the winning side. 

In estimating the value of a hand, it should be 
borne in mind that a player occupies the position 
67 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

of vantage who is to the left of the strong adver- 
sary. In this position finesses may be more 
freely indulged in, and certain combinations and 
cards often make which otherwise would not. 

Because of the state of the score, we may oc- 
casionally re-double though not holding excep- 
tional strength. As a rule, however, a re-double 
is prima facie evidence of a strong hand, and 
implies the ability to take, unaided, six or more 
tricks. A re-double of "no-trumps" proclaims 
strength in every suit. 

"Badsworth" sums up the case as follows: 
*The declarant will of course re-double when he 
has a higher opinion of himself than he has of 
his doubhng adversary, but the cases in which 
it is advisable for his partner to join in are so 
few, that it is safer not to re-double on your 
partner's declaration, while you feel there is any- 
thing left for you to learn about the game." 



68 



CHAPTER NINE 

THE LEAD AT A DECLARED TRUMP 

As a rule widely opposed principles govern 
the opening lead at " no-trump " and at a 
trump declaration. A moment's consideration 
will make the matter clear. 

At "no-trump" the chances are often good that 
we may establish and bring in a suit. To bring 
in a suit at "no-trumps," the suit being estab- 
lished, the holder of the suit has simply to be in 
the lead, the element of ruffing, often so death- 
dealing a power to a long suit at a trump declar- 
ation, being essentially missing. At "no- 
trumps," therefore, establishment tactics are 
generally essayed and we originally lead from 
our longest suit. 

At an undoubled suit declaration, however, 
other than spades, — spades, it must be borne in 
mind, more often than not stand for weakness 
69 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

rather than strength — the odds usually are 
strongly in the dealer's favor, and our chance of 
bringing in a suit is practically nil. 

Establishment tactics, therefore, are employed 
but seldom, but, as in Whist with trumps heavily 
adverse, our aim rather should be to make high 
or commanding cards early, before the suits in 
which they occur are liable to adverse ruffing; 
to force partner, and to invite a force ; in a word, 
to play what, in Whist parlance, is known as a 
running game. If, therefore, we lead from our 
long suit at all, it is not as a rule so much with a 
view to its establishment and final bringing in, 
as to make what there is in it before it is liable 
to a ruff. 

However, our policy of necessity must be 
more or less influenced by disclosures from 
dummy; hence the desirability of our first or 
" blind " lead, as it is often called, being such a 
card, when practicable, as will insure us the lead 
for the second round, after dummy's hand is ex- 
posed. 

The lead of ace or king from an ace, king 
suit — ace, if holding ace, king only; king, if 
70 



LEAD AT A DECLARED TRUMP 

holding ace, king and one or more others, — not 
only effects this object, but, what is often of 
great importance, does not deprive us of the 
command of the suit. Such lead, therefore, is 
generally conceded to be the best lead possible 
as against a declared trump. 

Lacking this particular combination, king 
from a king, queen suit, long or short, furnishes 
a good substitute. 

Lacking this combination also, a lead from 
our long suit is often advisable if it contain a 
high card lead. Lacking a high card lead, we 
may yet lead from the suit, and with the con- 
ventional fourth best, or we may lead from a 
short suit (a suit of three or less), as apparently 
promises best for the hand. The lead of a 
singleton may be resorted to if weak in trumps. 

It would be especially undesirable to lead from 
our long suit if it contain a tenace as ace, queen ; 
ace, jack; or king, jack; as the trick-taking ca- 
pacity of such suits is usually greater if led to 
than if led from. A suit containing four cards 
only and but a single honor is also an undesira- 
ble suit to open. 

71 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

A short suit lead is governed usually by one 
of three considerations : the hope of reaching and 
strengthening partner, of placing the lead, or of 
securing a ruff. 

A suit headed by two high or moderately high 
cards in sequence (if there be a sequence of 
three, so much the better), as king, queen; 
queen, jack; or jack, lo, is a particularly de- 
sirable short suit to open. The higher the se- 
quence, the better the lead. A suit headed by 
jack, 10 or 9 is usually also a good short suit 
to open. In each of such cases we lead the card 
heading the suit. 

However, we should be more or less influenced 
in our choice of a short suit by whether the make 
was passed or otherwise. If passed, the dealer 
evidently is stronger in black than in red, and, 
other things being equal, we should lead short 
red preferably to short black. 

The generally accepted leads from suits long 
or short, are as follows: 

Ace, from ace, king only. 

Ace, front ace and one or more others, not 
including king. 

72 



LEAD AT A DECLARED TRUMP 

King, when in sequence with ace or queen, or 
bothy save, when in sequence with ace, the 
suit consists of ace, king only. 

Queen, from head of sequence to lo, or from 
queen, jack, 9. 

Jack, from jack, 10, 9. 

10, from king, jack, 10. 

Fourth best from other combinations. 

Ace, when from any combination save ace, 
queen, jack, etc., when the follow should be 
queen, is followed with fourth best. Such follow 
proclaims two cards intermediate between the 
two leads, and, possibly, one or more lower. It 
denies the holding of both queen and jack. 

Ace followed by queen proclaims jack. Ace 
followed by 10 proclaims both queen and jack. 

(Ace followed by king proclaims no more of 
the suit and the ability to ruff the third round. 
This inference is important, and if properly taken 
advantage of often results in one or more tricks 
which could easily otherwise have scored ad- 
versely.) 

Many players oppose the original lead of an 
ace suit on the grounds that ace is too valuable a 

7Z 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

card at once to give up. Almost all agree, how- 
ever, that ace is the correct lead from an ace 
suit (the suit not also containing king), this with- 
out reference to whether the suit be long or 
short. The importance of this lead cannot in 
fact be too strongly emphasized; all of us who 
have undergone the dolorous experience of 
carrying home aces — and who has not? — will 
find it strikes a kindred chord. 

As has been said, a tenace suit, especially when 
made up of ace, queen; ace, jack, etc., should be 
led to rather than from. Therefore unless of 
such length as that it is seemingly expedient at 
once to make the ace, such suit should be avoid- 
ed, at least until we have the additional light on 
the subject perhaps supplied by dummy. Should 
dummy show king of the suit, the primary ob- 
ject of its avoidance, the hope of catching the 
king, disappears, and we may open the suit or 
not as otherwise seems best. 

King when led from ace but not queen is fol- 
lowed with ace. 

Whether it be best to go on with the suit, 
dummy's hand and the fall to the first round will 
74 



LEAD AT A DECLARED TRUMP 

usually aid us in determining. It should not be 
done if at the risk of establishing the suit ad- 
versely (unless it were evident that partner 
could ruff the suit), or if it would allow the 
weak adversary to ruff. 

King, when led from both ace and queen, is 
followed with queen rather than ace, as being the 
more informatory. This, in accordance with the 
general rule for second leads calling for the 
lowest of the high sequence remaining from 
suits containing more than two high cards in 
sequence. Therefore, from ace, king, queen, 
jack, etc., king being first led, the follow should 
be jack. 

King, being led from king, queen, etc., not 
including jack, is followed with small card if 
king hold the trick; otherwise, when regaining 
the lead, with queen, commanding card. 

From king, queen, jack, etc., the follow should 
be jack. The dealer at times will hold up the 
ace on the lead of king, especially if holding ace, 
10, etc., thinking thereby to tempt us to follow 
with small card and thus enable him to win 
second round with lo and still hold the command. 
75 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

The follow with jack effectually circumvents any 
such plan, if attempted. 

From king, queen, jack, lo, etc., the follow 
should be lo. 

Queen, being led from queen, jack, lo, etc., 
without 9 is followed with lo; with 9 if the suit 
also contains 9. 

10 is followed with king, if 10 fall to partner's 
ace; with small card, if to opponent's ace (queen 
not being with dummy), as queen, clearly, is 
with partner. 10 is followed with jack, the lower 
of the two sequence cards, king and jack, if 10 
fall to queen alone, or if both ace and queen fall 
to the first round ; with small, if 10 hold the trick 
and dummy shows neither ace nor queen, as both 
these cards must be with partner. 

A fourth best lead proclaims three cards 
higher than the one led and, possibly, one or 
more lower. It denies such a high card holding 
as would warrant a high card lead. 

Upon regaining the lead after an original lead 
of fourth best, we follow usually with command- 
ing card if holding it. Otherwise, with second 
best, if holding both second and third best. This 
1^ 



LEAD AT A DECLARED TRUMP 

to force the best and make third best com- 
mand. 

The impolicy of the attempt to estabHsh a suit 
at a declared trump is to a great extent done 
away with if we ourselves are strong in trumps, 
holding four or more. There is then often a 
chance, and especially if we may force and there- 
by weaken the strong adversary, not only that 
our trumps may outlive his, but that our long 
plain suit, if we hold one, may, if established, 
be brought in. As at "no-trumps," therefore, 
establishment tactics are generally employed, and 
we lead conventionally from our long suit. Dis- 
cretion being the better part of valor, to broach 
the trump ourselves would not as a rule be wise, 
at least until we have the additional light on the 
subject perhaps supplied by dummy. 

This suggests the question: Are we at any 
time justified in an original lead of trumps? 
Waiving for the moment the considerations 
governing the lead to a double, it may be an- 
swered that a lead of trumps, dummy being the 
maker, offers at times the best apparent protec- 
tion of our hand. If we hold four or five trumps 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

not including an honor, and our plain suits are 
so constructed that they should be led to — they 
perhaps containing a tenace, or a single honor — 
or if our only four card suit is the trump suit, 
the three plain suits containing three cards each, 
we might do worse than to lead a trump. 

A trump is occasionally advisable, too, our 
plain suits being as above described, though we 
hold less than four trumps, perhaps a singleton 
trump only. 

In rare cases a short trump is admissible upon 
the dealer's declaration, for instance, when our 
trumps are headed by a high sequence, as king, 
queen ; queen, jack, lo, etc., — and our plain suits, 
as in the examples above given, are so con- 
structed as that to open them ourselves would be 
to court disaster. 

It is not that the trump lead in itself is good, 
but that another lead would, ostensibly, be worse. 
It is, as it were, a choice of evils, the lesser of 
which is believed to be the trump lead. 

The principle involved is known as placing 
the lead, the inherent value of which is familiar 
to all Whist players. 

78 



LEAD AT A DECLARED TRUMP 

An original lead of trumps does not of neces- 
sity indicate a desire to exhaust trumps, but 
often, rather, to have our plain suits led to, and 
pone, upon securing the lead, should bear this in 
mind, and instead of returning the trump, unless 
it suits his own hand so to do, open such plain 
suit as apparently fits in best with dummy's hold- 
ing. His lead of a singleton, or from a suit of 
two cards, with the object of a ruff, is often bet- 
ter than the return of the trump. 

Upon a make of spades, more often than not 
a defensive make, we need not of necessity re- 
frain from the lead of a spade, if strong in the 
suit, if the lead apparently would subserve to our 
best interests. 

Spades are elusive, however, and the maker 
(dummy) has at times exceptional strength. 
Again, the dealer often is strong in the suit, and 
in such event our play would resolve itself into 
a lead up to strength, a play, excepting alone 
when for the purpose of placing the lead, diamet- 
rically opposed to the principles of good Bridge. 
However, if holding as many as five spades, the 
trump lead generally would be sound, the suit 
79 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

not being so constructed that it were better if 
led to. 

Our policy upon partner's double depends 
partly upon the particular value of the suit 
doubled, partly upon whether the dealer or 
dummy were the maker, and partly upon our 
own holdings; save only when the double is to 
the score, when exceptional risks are at times 
taken, doubling of necessity indicates more or 
less strength, and, except upon a spade double, at 
least moderate strength in trumps. 

Upon a double of spades, a lead of spades is 
often advisable if we ourselves are strong in 
spades, or if, though weak in spades, we hold a 
long plain suit, established or nearly so, or high 
card protection in shorter suits. In the one case 
the double doubtless is upon plain suit strength; 
in the other, trump strength; in either case the 
trump lead should and often does work to our 
advantage. 

If, however, with weak trumps, and a hand 
generally weak throughout, we hold a singleton 
or a suit of two cards, it is often well to lead 
short in the hope of a ruff. 
80 



LEAD AT A DECLARED TRUMP 

Upon a double of clubs, diamonds or hearts, 
a trump lead is often good when dummy is the 
maker; by no means, when the dealer. Better, 
the effort to throw the lead to partner that the 
lead if in his judgment expedient, may come 
from him through the strong; or a lead from 
our long plain suit which in the event of partner's 
trumps outliving the dealer's, may, if established, 
be brought in. 

When the advisability of the trump lead is in 
doubt it is often well to postpone it pending dis- 
closures from dummy and therefore to hold the 
lead, if otherwise practicable, until his hand be 
exposed. 

A short lead is often preferable to the trump 
lead when, we being weak in trumps, it seems 
expedient to work for a ruff. 

As is seen there is no cast-iron rule govern- 
ing the situation, but we should be influenced 
rather by one or another of the considerations 
above named. What would be right in one case 
would often be radically wrong in another. 

The particular trump to lead to partner's 
double depends usually upon our numerical hold- 
Si 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

ing; the highest from three or less, the lowest 
from more. The best of a short suit is often a 
card of such value as will work to partner's di- 
rect advantage. A strict follow of the rule in 
any event often enables him, in conjunction with 
the data supplied by dummy, to approximate 
closely as to the number and value of the 
high cards of the suit held by the dealer. 

Upon a re-double which rests with the deal- 
er's side, the conditions are usually relatively the 
same as though there had been no double. We 
assume the maximum strength to be with the 
dealer, and as a rule pursue practically the policy 
we would originally have employed, taking care, 
however, not to force partner in the early stages, 
or before the true conditions are positively 
known. 

Upon a re-double which rests with partner, 
we should be governed usually by the considera- 
tions above given regarding the play to a double. 

As, upon partner's double of "no-trumps" it 

is of the first importance that we throw him the 

lead, it being reasonable to assume — the double 

not being to the score — ^that he has a long solid 

82 



LEAD AT A DECLARED TRUMP 

suit with the capacity perhaps to take six tricks 
and a possible seventh, by a recognized conven- 
tion his double of "no-trumps" should indicate 
the ace of hearts as a re-entry. 

We, therefore, lead our highest heart, and if 
it wins, follow with next in value. This is known 

as the HEART CONVENTION. 

To be sure if we hold an established suit — an 
unlikely contingency — we would first run with 
our own suit and then lead the heart. 

Should we hold no hearts — another unlikely 
contingency — the lead of our weakest suit would 
stand the best chance usually of hitting partner's 
suit. As a matter of fact the weak suit lead 
upon pone's double of "no-trumps" is adopted in 
England and by some of our own players in 
preference to the lead of a heart. It is known as 

the WEAK SUIT CONVENTION. 



83 



CHAPTER TEN 

THE SECONDARY LEAD 

Having held the lead until dummy's cards are 
exposed, as a guide to our second lead we have 
not only the inferences perhaps gathered from 
the first round, but the data supplied by dummy. 
It is superfluous to state that we should study 
dummy's hand with the minutest care, noting 
both its weak points and its strong, and turning 
all, as far as possible, to our own advantage. 

While at a declared trump in rare cases only 
do we, " non-dealers," stand a chance of winning 
game or even the odd trick, nevertheless it will 
often be possible to save the game, and to this 
end our efforts should first be directed. A mo- 
ment's calculation based upon our knowledge of 
the value of the declaration, and the adverse 
score, will enable us in each and every case to 
determine the number of tricks our side must 
84 



THE SECONDARY LEAD 

needs score to compass this end. Five at "no- 
trumps," four at hearts and three at diamonds, 
will save game when the adversaries are at love. 
One trick saves a grand slam, or 40 points in 
the adverse honor score ; two, a little slam, or 20 
points in the adverse honor score. As our time 
usually is short it behooves us to use it to the 
utmost. 

It will often be advisable to go on with the 
suit first led, especially if holding the command. 
If this seem inexpedient, and generally it would 
if a second round would establish the suit ad- 
versely, or allow the weak adversary to ruff, 
dummy's own hand often will suggest the proper 
alternative. 

If he holds an established suit, the dealer's 
policy undoubtedly will be to exhaust trumps 
and bring in the suit. In such a case we should 
be more than ever nimble and quick, and garner 
what we may before the dealer gets in the lead. 

A good lead often is a lead through dummy's 

strength. A lead through strength is the lead of 

a suit in which the player who will he second 

player to the trick is strong. Such lead, com- 

8s 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

pelling a play from the strong holder before third 
player (our partner) plays to the trick, often 
results in partner's winning a trick in the suit 
with a card which otherwise would be valueless. 

The terms leading through strength, and, con- 
versely, up to weakness, are familiar to all Whist 
players, the principles they embody being coeval, 
so to speak, with the birth of Whist. Their ap- 
plication is peculiarly effective in Bridge because 
of the exposed hand, and the knowledge absolute 
one possesses of the location of certain cards. 

There can be no doubt that Bridge in many 
respects furnishes valuable object lessons in 
Whist. By reason of the exposed hand, and our 
certain knowledge from the start of twenty-six 
rather than thirteen cards, the plan we have in 
view and the ends we endeavor to attain, as well 
as the difficulties we must surmount, are more 
forcibly impressed upon us than in Whist, where 
we see but the one hand, and can know inferen- 
tially only as regards the others. Assuredly, a 
broader, keener and more comprehensive Whist 
player should be the legitimate outcome of the 
wide-awake and successful Bridge player. 
86 



THE SECONDARY LEAD 

A lead through dummy is especially recom- 
mended if he hold a single honor suit (the honor 
not the ace), and we lower honors in sequence of 
the suit, as king and small with dummy ; queen, 
jack, etc., with us. The lead of queen, the higher 
of the cards in sequence, in the event of ace be- 
ing with partner, would place dummy at a direct 
disadvantage, and, if followed with jack, as un- 
doubtedly should be done, should queen hold the 
trick, result often in dummy's king not making 
at all. 

As a rule the combinations from which it 
would be undesirable to lead are the ones which 
can most effectively be led through. A partial 
list is given: king and small cards; queen and 
small ; ace, queen, alone or with others ; ace, jack, 
alone or with others; king, jack, alone or with 
others. 

A lead through dummy's strength would be 
the reverse of good if we hold high cards in se- 
quence of the suit higher than his highest, or 
high cards of the suit which are not in sequence, 
particularly a tenace as ace, queen; ace, jack; or 
king, jack. 

87 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

A lead through dummy's strength would also 
be unwise should the suit with him contain two 
or more high cards in sequence, or a fourchetfe,"^ 
over a supporting card in our hand. In either 
case he would cover the card led and defeat the 
object of the lead. 

_^ A trump is occasionally led as a secondary 
l^ad, regardless of what we hold in trumps, in 
cases where dummy (or perhaps the dealer) is 
void of our long plain suit, and weak in trumps. 
This in the endeavor to exhaust his trumps and 
deprive him of the power to ruff the suit. 

When dummy holds a long suit which may be 
established in one or two rounds, weak trumps, 
and a singleton ace (his only outside re-entry), 
it is often well to lead the singleton ace suit. 
This, at once depriving him of re-entry, would 
greatly lessen the chance of the suit when 
established being brought in, making it depend- 
ent in fact upon the dealer putting him in 
through a card of the suit. Should he, the 
dealer, prove short in the suit, he will often be 
powerless to do so. 

* See page 99. 
88 



THE SECONDARY LEAD 

In cases where dummy holds no re-entry, save 
in his long suit, it is often advisable if holding 
ace of the suit, to go at once for two rounds of 
the suit, in the hope thereby to exhaust the 
dealer. This by some is considered better than 
holding up the ace in the event that the dealer 
opens the suit, because of the ever present danger 
that he, the dealer, may trump the second round 
and our ace not make at all. 

Picking up a singleton is a phrase applying to 
the lead of ace of a suit of which dummy holds 
a singleton, when he is at the same time weak in 
trumps and short in still another suit. The ob- 
ject of the play is to make the ace before the 
dealer has a chance to discard the singleton and 
ruff the suit. 

(The several plays last mentioned are equally 
applicable to the leader or pone under conditions 
as described.) 



89 



CHAPTER ELEVEN 

THE LEAD AT ''NO-TRUMP'^ 

The princples governing the lead at "no- 
trump" have already been briefly touched upon. 
At "no-trumps" it is not infrequently the case 
that the leader's long suit is the declarant's one 
weak suit, and, inasmuch as he, the declarant, by 
his declaration of "no-trumps," has deprived 
himself of the ability to ruff the suit, there is 
often a good chance that the suit if established 
may be brought in, especially if the leader holds 
re-entry, perhaps ace or guarded king of an- 
other suit. 

Establishment tactics, therefore, are generally 
employed and our opening lead is from our long- 
est suit. One exception may be noted, to wit: 
when the suit contains four cards only, with a 
single honor or none at all. 

In such case our better policy usually is the 
90 



THE LEAD AT "NO TRUMP" 

effort to reach our partner's suit. This can best 
be accomplished as a rule by a lead from our 
weakest suit, it being in accordance with the doc- 
trine of probabilities that our weakest is part- 
ner's strongest. If having two equally weak 
suits, one red, the other black, the red usually 
should be chosen in preference to the black, the 
dealer ostensibly having less strength in red than 
in black, and the chance being greater, therefore, 
that partner is strong in red. So if having to 
decide between hearts and diamonds, hearts gen- 
erally are preferable to diamonds. 

Conformably to the same line of reasoning, if 
at a halt between two long suits of practically 
the same value, one red, the other black, 
we should lead the red in preference to the 
black, and as between the two reds, preferably 
hearts. 

If holding two suits of equal value numeri- 
cally, one headed by ace, the other by queen, 
both otherwise void of high card strength, the 
queen suit generally should be led preferably to 
the ace. Should it become established, through 
the ace re-entry, we could perhaps bring it in. 
91 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

Should the ace suit become established, the queen 
would be but doubtful as a re-entry. 

Comparatively few players at Bridge properly 
estimate the value of re-entry cards, especially 
at "no-trumps," and when holding an established, 
or nearly established, suit. An established suit 
can avail naught unless one is in the lead. There- 
fore, until our suit is established, unless the 
chances of its becoming established are practi- 
cally nil, at least one re-entry should if possible 
be held up, and more than ever, if we know, or 
suspect, that partner is void of the suit and that 
we must fight single-handed. 

Herein lies the germ of the principle, con- 
stantly recurring at Bridge, upon a " no-trump " 
declaration, of holding up the command of the 
adverse suit for the first and often also the sec- 
ond round, save when we hold two command- 
ing cards of the suit, when our own or partner's 
suit is established, or when for some other reason 
it seems desirable to take the lead. 

The state of the score must guide us as to how 
long the holding-up policy would be safe, or 
should be indulged in. We should not forget 
92 



THE LEAD AT "NO TRUMP" 

that while we are refusing tricks, the adversaries 
are scoring them. Besides, the suit may be 
changed and our command not make at all. 

After the foregoing, it may be superfluous to 
add that the lead of a master card at "no-trump," 
as at a declared suit, for the oftentimes valuable 
look at dummy, would be unsound, unless, an 
unlikely contingency, we can well afford it be- 
cause of an embarrassment of re-entries. 

The card to lead at "no-trump" is subject to 
the principles governing the lead of trumps in 
Whist, and often extending, especially when 
holding outside re-entry, to a plain suit lead after 
trumps are exhausted. 

Unless holding exceptional strength, high 
card or numerical, not a high card, but fourth 
best should be led. A threefold objection exists 
to the lead of a high card when not fully war- 
ranted by the suit's strength: first, it minimizes 
the chance that partner will take a trick in the 
suit; secondly, two rounds may exhaust him and 
so render him unable, later, in the event of his 
having a lead, to return the suit; thirdly, but by 
no means the least important, if we at once give 
93 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

up our high or commanding cards, we materi- 
ally lessen the chance that we ultimately will hold 
the command. The primary object of the lead 
would often therefore be defeated and we would 
be powerless to bring the suit in. 

A good general rule covering trump leads may 
be given as follows : 

Usually lead fourth best. Lead high when 

the suit contains seven or more cards if the 

conditions otherwise warrant the lead of a 

high card. 

Generally lead high if the suit contain three 

honors, at least two of them in sequence. 
When leading high, lead the same high card 

that would be led at a declared trump. 
To summarize: 
Lead ace from ace and seven or more others, 

not including king. 
Lead ace from ace, queen, jack, etc., if holding 
re-entry in another suit. Lacking re-entry, 
lead queen, unless the suit contain seven or 
more cards, when lead ace. 
Lead king when in sequence with ace or queen, 
seven or more in suit. 
94 



THE LEAD AT "NO TRUMP" 

Lead king when accompanied by ace and 
queen; ace and jack; or queen and jack 
from suits of four or more. 

Lead queen from head of sequence to lo, four 
or more in suit, or from mieen, jack, g, seven 
or more in suit. 

Lead jack from head of sequence to 9. 

Lead 10 from king, jack, 10, etc. 

From other combinations lead fourth best. 

On the second round generally lead command^ 
ing card, if holding it, unless it be in se- 
quence with one or more lower cards, when 
lead lowest of sequence. 

Otherwise, if remaining with second and third 
best, usually lead second best. 



95 



CHAPTER TWELVE 

SECOND HAND PLAY 

Second hand play is not only influenced in a 
greater or less degree by the nature of the decla- 
ration — whether "no-trump" or a suit — ^but by 
the position one occupies with regard to dummy. 
It should, therefore, be considered from four 
separate viewpoints. 

It may be stated that second hand play as 
herein considered pertains chiefly to the non- 
dealers. As applying to the dealer and dummy, 
it will be found duly considered under its respec- 
tive heading. 

We will consider first when we sit at dummy's 
right: In this position we are told to "beat the 
dummy" if we can. This does not mean, though, 
at too great a cost, when dummy's cards are low ; 
or that we should necessarily play ace on the first 
round of a suit, low card led, when, dummy hold- 
96 



SECOND HAND PLAY 

ing low cards only of the suit, there exists no 
apparent reason why partner should not score 
the trick. 

It applies chiefly to cases like the following: 
Dummy holds a high card, perhaps guarded 
queen of the suit led ; we hold guarded king. The 
play of king is obvious, and more than ever at a 
trump declaration, when, as has been explained, 
it behooves us usually to take all the tricks in 
sight. 

However, as there is no rule which is not 
subject to modification, so cases will at times 
arise where to beat the dummy would be un- 
sound, though otherwise he will score the trick. 
For instance : we hold ace, jack, etc., and dummy 
guarded king of a suit of which small card is led. 
The play of a low card rather than ace would 
presumably leave us with a direct tenace over the 
dealer, and, upon the return of the lead, result 
often in our winning two tricks in the suit rather 
than one. This applies particularly at "no- 
trump" ; at a trump, it would of necessity be at- 
tended with more or less risk because of the in- 
evitable rufling to which a suit is liable. 
97 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

When dummy holds a tenace as ace, queen, 
etc., over king, jack, etc., in our hand, we play- 
low; with the holdings reversed, ace. However, 
with high cards in sequence, as king, queen, etc., 
in our hand, as against ace, jack, etc., with 
dummy, we play queen, lower of cards in se- 
quence. The dealer otherwise might finesse the 
jack. 

The following rules cover general cases where 

a high rather than a low card should be played 

second in hand. Except where stipulated to the 

contrary, they apply equally perhaps whether we 

sit at the right or the left of dummy. 

At a declared trump cover an honor led from 

strength zvith ace. At times also cover 

small card led with ace. 

At ''no-trumps" generally hold up the ace, 

even at times an honor led, and when it is 

known the trick otherwise will be adverse. 

(Exception: When holding an established suit, and 
especially when there are enough tricks in sight to in- 
sure game.) 

Cover an honor with an honor lower than ace 
if not more than twice guarded, though an 
98 



SECOND HAND PLAY 

honor higher still, perhaps ace, he held ad- 
versely, 
(The cover forces the higher adverse card, or 
holds the trick. If the former, it compels two 
adverse high cards to the one trick, and thus 
often raises to command in the hand of partner 
a card of the suit which otherwise would be 
valueless.) 

Cover a g or higher card when holding a four- 
chette (a card higher and a card lower than 
the one led). 
(The motive of the play, as in the case just 
explained, is to hold the trick, or force a higher 
adverse card, and thus defeat the evident bear- 
ing of the lead. The cover from a fourchette has 
the additional advantage that it can do no pos- 
sible harm to our own hand. Many players be- 
blieve so implicitly in the value of the cover from 
a fourchette, both at Bridge and Whist, that they 
advise it from an imperfect fourchette, as for in- 
stance jack, from jack, 8, etc., on lo led.) 
Cover the card led when inferences from the 
eleven rule"^ show that we hold all the cards 
* See page 104. 
99 

LCFC. 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

higher of the suit than the one led which are 
not with the leader, playing the lowest of 
these cards. 
(The card so played, barring a trump, will 
hold the trick.) 

Cover the card led when holding two or more 

high cards in sequence, playing the lowest 

of the sequence. 

(To be sure if, when we play before the 

dummy, we see that a smaller card will hold the 

trick, we waste no strength but win as cheaply 

as possible.) 

Save in situations covered by the foregoing, 

generally play low on low card led zvhen 

dummy's cards are low. 

When we sit at dummy's left, we consider as 

cards in sequence, not simply cards in sequence 

in our hand, but any in his hand which form a 

sequence with ours. For instance: we hold ace, 

queen, etc., of a suit of which dummy holds king. 

Dummy leads low. As ace, king and queen are 

in sequence, we play queen. So, also, to a low 

lead from dummy we play jack from a suit of 

which we hold king, jack, etc., and dummy, 

100 



SECOND HAND PLAY 

queen; or king, from king and others, when 
dummy holds ace. 

These plays are obvious and will readily ap- 
peal to the intelligence of the student. 

When, sitting at dummy's left, we hold two 
cards only of the suit led, one an honor, we 
generally play low save when from his holding 
we know that the higher card will win, as when 
we hold king and one lower and dummy ace ; or 
ace and one lower, and dummy king. 



lOI 



CHAPTER THIRTEEN 

THIRD HAND PLAY 

Third hand play is influenced by the player's 
own holding, by dummy's holding, and by infer- 
ences from the lead. 

As in the chapter on Second Hand, the rules 
and considerations herein advanced apply chiefly 
to the non-dealers. While the principles under- 
lying third hand play, whether by the dealer or 
non-dealers, are essentially the same, neverthe- 
less the dealer, because of his certain knowledge 
of his partner's holding, and the fact that he 
alone generals the two hands, to say nothing of 
his deceptive policy, has in many respects a law 
unto himself, and, when it suits him so to do, 
may and should adopt methods, if trick-winning, 
peculiarly his own. 

Third hand play upon the lead of a low card 
is subject to a two-fold consideration : The de- 

102 



THIRD HAND PLAY 

sire, first, to take the trick ; failing this, to com- 
pel a higher adverse card, and thus work to the 
earlier establishment of the suit. 

Therefore, upon the lead of a small card, we, 
third in hand, play the card heading the suit in 
our hand, unless it is smaller than the card led, 
or the one played by second hand, or unless it is 
in sequence with one or more lower cards, when, 
in the first two cases, we play smallest of suit; 
in the last named, lowest of sequence. 

Modifications of the rule because of infer- 
ences from the eleven rule^ or because of a 
card or cards in dummy's hand which warrant a 
FINESSE, will be considered presently. 

It will of course be understood that the strict 
letter of the rule does not apply to the elder hand 
when in the position of third hand player if dis- 
closures from dummy make a departure expedi- 
ent. That is, the play by him from a holding 
including both king and lO, of king rather than 
10, if dummy holds neither queen nor jack, and 
the dealer has played low, would not only be mis- 
leading, but exceedingly puerile. So, also, would 
be the play of his highest, the dealer not having 
103 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

so played as to compel it, if dummy has none of 
the suit led. 

As has been explained, when we sit at dum- 
my's left, we include as cards in sequence, not 
only such cards in our own hand as are in se- 
quence, but such in dummy's hand as form a 
sequence with our own. To the lead, therefore, 
of a low card of a suit of which dummy holds 
jack and we queen, lo, etc., we play not queen, 
but 10, as, obviously, it will hold the trick or 
compel king or ace. 

The play of the lowest of cards in sequence 
is a valuable means of imparting inferences, and 
by the non-dealers at Bridge should be studiously 
observed. 

The ELEVEN RULE is a rule the use of which 
often enables a player definitely to calculate as 
to number, and approximately as to the value of 
the cards of a suit higher than the one led which 
are not with the leader. By reason of its very 
nature, the eleven rule can be applied only on the 
lead of a fourth best, and rarely can it be made 
practicable on a card led lower than 6. 

To apply the rule we simply deduct from 
104 



THIRD HAND PLAY 

eleven the number of spots on the card led. If, 
for instance, 8 is led, as 8 from eleven leaves 
three, there are then three cards higher than the 
8 which are not with the leader. 

Now for the value of the inference : We will 
again assume that 8 is led; further, that queen 
and small of the suit are with dummy, and ace, 
jack, etc., with us, third player. As the three 
cards higher than the one led (8) are accounted 
for, we play not ace or even jack, but small. 
The 8 barring a trump, will hold the trick. We 
should use care, however, to get rid of ace on the 
next round, especially at " no-trump," if other- 
wise it might block.* 

The player familiar with the principle of the 
ELEVEN RULE will readily recognize the oppor- 
tunities, as they occur, for its application. It of 
course develops in various forms. 

Finesse is the effort to take a trick with a card 
lower than the highest held of the suit led and 
not in sequence with it. 

As a rule third player at Bridge takes but little 
chance in his partner's suit, somewhat more lati- 
* See page io8. 
105 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

tude, however, being allowed at "no-trump" 
than at a trump. Even the finesse in general use 
in Whist of queen from ace, queen, etc., is but 
little used in Bridge. To be sure if, when hold- 
ing ace, queen, etc., king appears with dummy, 
the play of queen would be obvious. This, how- 
ever, would not constitute a finesse, but the play 
simply of lowest of a sequence. A play consti- 
tutes a finesse only when the location of a card 
or cards intermediate between the one played and 
one or more higher ones held is unknown. Note 
the difference. 

As a matter of fact, all finesse by third player 
should have for its aim the capture of one or 
more high cards from dummy. It follows that if 
dummy holds no high card of the suit led, third 
player should take no finesse. Let us assume 
dummy to hold guarded queen and we ace, jack, 
etc., of the suit of which low card is led. With 
the twofold hope of winning the trick, and, 
eventually, catching dummy's queen, we finesse 
the jack, and, should it win — and the chances are 
that it will, since king, the only high card of the 
suit not definitely accounted for, is likely with 
io6 



THIRD HAND PLAY 

partner — we at once return the ace. If dummy's 
queen be twice guarded only, it must inevitably 
fall on third round to partner's king. (To be 
sure the third round of the suit may be trumped. 
This, however, is not the question; we are con- 
sidering simply correct third hand play under 
conditions as above mentioned.) 

Should dummy hold twice guarded king 
rather than queen, and we ace, jack, and one 
other only, the finesse of the jack, especially at 
"no-trumps" would rarely be wise. In fact, un- 
less partner should hold two re-entries — an un- 
likely proposition — the finesse would gain 
nothing. Better, therefore, at once to put up 
the ace and return the jack, forcing the king and 
establishing the suit in the second round. Then 
if partner holds one re-entry, or even if we hold 
re-entry — we still remaining with the small card 
of the suit — the chances are good that he, 
partner, will sooner or later bring in the suit. 
To be sure the dealer may refuse to put up 
dummy's king to the second round. Not to do 
so would in many cases be his only correct 
play. 

107 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

When a strengthening card is led, we know 
pricisely what higher cards of the suit are held 
over us, and must be guided by developments 
and our own holding, as well often as by the 
state of the score, as to the expediency of pass- 
ing, of playing the command (if holding it), or 
of covering with a higher card, not the com- 
mand. 

A SUPPORTING OR STRENGTHENING CARD is a 

card of high or moderate rank, as king, queen, 
jack, 10 or g, led in the hope of strengthening 
one's partner's hand; that is, of forcing higher 
adverse cards and saving the high cards of the 
suit held by the partner. 

Unblocking is a form of play by which we 
endeavor to rid our hand before the final round 
of partner^ s suit of such card or cards as might 
otherwise block the suit; that is, force us to take 
the lead in the suit when having none to return 
him. 

Careless play in the respect of unblocking 

often results in the loss of one or more tricks, 

the holder of the suit being unable to recover the 

lead and his long cards failing to make. It should 

io8 



THIRD HAND PLAY 

be distinctly borne in mind that it is the shorter 
suit which unblocks to the longer. 

Unblocking applies chiefly at "no-trumps." 
At a trump a suit adverse to the dealer is rarely 
brought in. Establishment tactics, therefore, are 
optional rather than obligatory, and the original 
lead does not always by any means stand for the 
longest suit. 

At "no-trumps," however, the lead as a rule 
is from the longest suit, and with a view to its 
establishment and final bringing in. To aid in 
these efforts becomes, therefore, our first aim 
and consideration. A high card at "no-trumps" 
indicates exceptional strength, high card or 
numerical, or both. Under certain conditions, 
therefore, a high card being led, it behooves us 
at once to unblock. 

// holding king and one other only, to the lead 
of ace or queen, we play king. 

If holding ace and one other only, to the lead 
of king, we play ace. 

(These plays, it will of course be understood, 
as are all plays in Bridge, are necessarily subject 
to disclosures from dummy which would make 
109 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

a departure expedient. It is hardly necessary to 
explain that they would be distinctly unsound 
should dummy hold a card of the suit of such 
value as, because of the unblocking, would ulti- 
mately be in command, as jack twice guarded, 
or 10 three times guarded.) 
// holding three cards, in chiding one or more 
honors, of the suit of zvhich partner leads 
high, to the first round zve play second best 
and to the second round best, keeping the 
lowest or least valuable until the third round. 
(As an example : — We hold ace, king and one 
small of a suit; partner leads queen of the suit. 
Unless we rid our hand on the two first rounds 
of ace and king we will inevitably block. There- 
fore, to the lead of queen, we play king, follow 
on second round with ace, and on third round 
put partner in with the small card, and thus 
enable him to make or bring in the suit.) 
// holding four cards of partner's suit, the 
lead being high, to the first round we play 
third best, to the second round second best, 
and to the third round best. 
(Thus, as in the above mentioned cases, we 
no 



THIRD HAND PLAY 

keep our smallest until the final round, and so 
render it possible to put partner again in the 
lead, or at least preclude the danger of taking 
the lead from him in the event of his being in 
the lead.) 

// holding five cards of partner's suit, the lead 
being high, to the iirst round we play fourth 
best, and to the second round up or down as 
developments apparently make expedient. 

If indications point to our being longer in the 
suit than partner, we so play, it goes without 
saying, as to establish the suit in our hand rather 
than in his. At " no-trumps " the play to part- 
ner's lead of a high card of first a higher and 
then a lower card of the suit — such play as in 
Whist would constitute a trump signal — is an 
indication to partner that we wish him to con- 
tinue the suit. 

A similar inference attaches to a similar play 
upon partner's lead of king, at a declared trump ; 
the play, that is, first of a higher and then a 
lower card of the suit. The play is known as 
an ECHO, and is made when we hold two cards 
only of the suit (not an honor), or queen and 
III 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

two small. It indicates the ability to ruff the 
third round or to win with queen. In either 
case the inference is important, especially so if 
in the latter case, partner can read that the third 
round if trumped at all will be trumped by the 
strong adversary. 



112 



CHAPTER FOURTEEN 

RETURN LEAD 

As the principles underlying Bridge leads vary 
accordingly as whether " no-trump " or a suit 
is declared, so the principles governing the re- 
turn lead correspondingly vary. 

As at " no-trump " the lead is from the longest 
suit, and, if it be not already established, with a 
view to its establishment and final bringing in, 
so at " no-trump " the return lead should bear 
upon the same subject. 

Because of the enormous advantage enjoyed 
by the dealer, complete harmony between part- 
ners is, if anything, more essential in Bridge than 
in Whist. If, instead of concentrating our efforts 
upon one and the same goal, each of us works 
separately and independently, our work is un- 
even and divided, and not only do we fail to ac- 
complish the greatest good for our side, but in 
113 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

reality we often contribute in no small degree 
to the success of the opposing side. 

Therefore, upon winning our partner's lead 
at " no-trump," or as soon as securing the lead, 
as a rule we should at once return the suit and 
thus aid in the efforts at establishment. Even 
though the command of the suit be with dummy, 
or inferences from the eleven rule point to a high 
card, possibly the command, with the dealer, 
unless dummy holds an established suit which the 
dealer may at once run of¥, the suit as a rule 
should be returned. 

To be sure if zue hold an established suit, we 
should first make our own suit. So, also, if hav- 
ing reason to believe — a reason existing in fact, 
and not simply in our imagination — that our own 
suit could be more easily established, we at the 
same time holding re-entry, we may usually shift 
to our own. However, if there is any doubt on 
the subject, the benefit of the doubt should be 
given to the suit which has just been led. As 
a rule it is difficult to establish one suit; to at- 
tempt to establish two is usually the height of 
folly. 

114 



RETURN LEAD 

No objection of course could be raised to the 
lead first of king from ace, king, jack, etc., and 
less than ever, if queen of the suit were with 
dummy. Such policy in fact would be highly 
commendable, inasmuch as it would furnish part- 
ner with a valuable clew for a lead later, 
through the queen. 

The proper card to return depends upon our 
numerical holding. If remaining with two only, 
we return the higher; if with three or more, the 
lowest, save when holding the command, or both 
second and third best, when, in the one case, we 
lead command, in the other, second best. How- 
ever, if we have begun to unblock in the suit, 
holding originally four, we return not our lowest 
but our highest card, treating our holding in the 
suit rather as a short suit. Otherwise we would 
undo all the good we have already done and' run 
the risk of blocking. 

Some players approve of the return of jack, 
10 or 9, as the case may be, regardless of num- 
ber, if nothing higher is with dummy, on the 
grounds that a card of this rank would give part- 
ner the advantage of position, and often enable 
115 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

him to save a high and valuable card of his own. 
Such play in fact would conform to the twofold 
principle of a lead up to dummy's weakness, and 
of the lead of a card higher than his highest and 
furnishes, therefore, a notable example for de- 
parture from rule. 

At a declared trump, the return of partner's 
suit, far from being obligatory, is often inad- 
visable. 

However, the suit generally should be returned 
if the lead has shown a strong suit, one already 
established or nearly so, and we are strong in 
trumps, perhaps holding four or more. Under 
these conditions, and especially if we can force 
the strong adversary, the importance of which 
in this and similar situations cannot be too 
strongly emphasized, partner's suit eventually 
may be brought in. 

So, also, if we hold the command of the suit, 
or infer it is held by partner, or that he has led 
for the purpose of a ruff, or if we ourselves may 
rufif the third round, holding weak trumps, the 
suit generally should be returned. In fact, a 
similar policy to that recommended for the elder 
ii6 



RETURN LEAD 

hand as against a declared trump, when himself 
weak in trumps, should usually be employed by 
the younger hand, also, when weak in trumps. 
That is, he should make high or commanding 
cards early before the suits in which they occur 
are liable to a ruff, force his partner, and freely 
take a force. 

When inferences from the eleven rule show 
that the small card led is not a fourth best, or 
when the lead of a high card is, clearly, not from 
the conventional holding, the lead has some other 
object than the attempt at establishment. Often 
the second, or at most third round of the suit 
will find partner void, and in a position to ruff, 
the dealer having not in the meantime had one 
or more rounds of trumps and perhaps ex- 
hausted him. 

To detect that a small card led is not a fourth 
best, we simply apply the eleven rule, and if it 
turns out that there are more high cards out 
against the leader than a fourth best would pro- 
claim, the lead is not a fourth best, but more 
often a single card, or the better of two. 

We should not fail to take into account that 
117 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

as a secondary lead partner will often lead 
through dummy's strength, and be guided ac- 
cordingly in our inferences and resultant play. 
When this, it is evident, is the motive, we should 
not return the suit, but endeavor rather through 
some other suit to put partner again in, that he 
may continue it. By repeating this process once 
or twice, as apparently expedient, and as within 
our power to do, dummy's high cards of the suit 
are often completely hemmed in and fail to make, 
the tricks in the suit scoring to our side rather 
than adversely. 

We are at times in the lead when partner has 
doubled and yet refrained from the lead of a 
trump. Such situation truly calls for considera- 
tion. When the dealer is the maker, it is often 
the case that partner is waiting for the trump 
to be led by us and it is important that we make 
no mistake. Much, however, must be left to the 
perception of the individual player, as rules fit- 
ting each and every case would be impossible. 
To be sure we can often be guided to a greater 
or less extent by the considerations, as explained 
in a former chapter, governing the elder's lead 
ii8 



RETURN LEAD 

upon his partner's double : * — that is, the par- 
ticular value of the suit doubled, whether the 
dealer or dummy were the maker, and our own 
holding. 

Upon a double of spades a trump lead is often 
advisable if dummy is weak in spades, especially 
if we are strong in spades, or if we hold a good 
plain suit or protection in shorter suits. 

However, if, with weak trumps and a hand 
generally weak throughout, we are short in one 
suit, the short lead with the object of a ruff is 
often preferable to the trump lead. 

Upon a double of clubs, diamonds or hearts, 
the, dealer being the maker, the trump, if led at 
all by the non-dealers, should undoubtedly be 
led by pone, and a round will be found seldom to 
work to our disadvantage, especially if we hold 
a moderately good plain suit or protection in 
shorter suits. Less than ever could the lead be 
objected to if dummy's trumps are small and we 
may lead higher than his highest. 

However, as upon a spade double, if we hold 
a singleton, or a suit of two cards, we may first 
* See page 80. 
119 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

lead short, if in our judgment expedient, with 
the object of securing a ruff. 

A lead of this nature with the same object in 
view is often preferable to the return of a trump 
lead. As has been explained, a trump lead by 
partner does not necessarily indicate a desire to 
exhaust trumps, but often rather to have his 
plain suits led to. A return of trumps is, how- 
ever, u&ually advisable, our hand not containing 
a short suit which may be led with apparent 
profit, if we are protected in the plain suits, and 
the relation of our trumps to dummy's is not 
such as that it would be manifestly better for 
the lead to come again through dummy. 

Special leads, such as picking up a singleton; 
the lead of a suit of which dummy holds a single- 
ton ace (his only re-entry), weak trumps, and 
a long though unestablished plain suit; the lead 
of a trump, regardless of our holding in trumps, 
when dummy is void of our suit and weak in 
trumps; — all of which are equally applicable to 
either of the non-dealers, have been explained 
under the heading " Secondary Lead." The lead 
of a trump under conditions as above described 

120 



RETURN LEAD 

is especially important if the dealer has re- 
frained from the lead of a trump with the ob- 
ject ostensibly of securing the ruff. 

A few principles governing our play when we 
sit at dummy's left, otherwise answer to the call 
of PONE, and bearing upon the relation of our 
holding to dummy's, are here given: — 

First and above all we should bear in mind 
the importance of a lead up to dummy's weak- 
ness. This has reference not so much to numeri- 
cal as to high card weakness. 

If a suit in dummy's hand is without an honor 
and we lead a card of the suit higher than his 
highest, we beat him from the start and the 
play often resolves itself into a case of two to 
one as against the dealer. Especially should we 
observe this play from a suit containing a 
sequence of high cards higher than dummy's 
highest. 

When dummy's only weak suit is the trump 
suit, his plain suits perhaps containing a tenace 
or a single honor, it is often well to lead a 
trump. 

The lead of a suit containing guarded king in 

121 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

our hand to guarded queen with dummy would 
be unwise; so, also, would be the lead from an 
ace suit in our hand to guarded king with 
dummy; or, vice versa, from king suit in our 
hand to ace in dummy's. In all such cases we 
will be left in better position if the suit be 
opened elsewhere. 

A low lead of a suit in which dummy holds 
exceptional strength should mean our ability to 
ruff the suit. So, the lead by the elder hand 
of a suit in which dummy holds three high cards 
in sequence, should convey a similar inference. 



122 



CHAPTER FIFTEEN 

THE DISCARD 

When we have no card of the suit led and 
do not trump, we play a card of another suit, 
usually the lowest held of the suit. Such play 
constitutes a discard. 

The discard at Bridge, as was the case for so 
long a time with the discard in Whist, has been 
and is still a fruitful source of discussion. 

Some advocate the discard from strength at 
a trump and weakness at " no-trumps " ; others, 
from weakness both at a trump and *' no- 
trumps " ; others again, from strength both at 
a trump and " no-trumps." 

The last named, though seemingly in direct 
contradistinction to the now generally accepted 
system in Whist, is in reality governed by the 
same principle, and for this reason perhaps has 
a constantly increasing number of adherents. 
123 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

The Whist discard calls for weakness under 
usual conditions, but strength at an adverse 
declaration of trumps. In Bridge both at a 
trump and at " no-trumps " there is an adverse 
declaration of strength, greater and more 
varied often at " no-trumps " than at a trump 
which practically shows strength in one suit 
only. 

As in Whist, then, at an adverse declaration 
of strength, there surely is wisdom in throwing 
from our longest or best protected suit (which at 
most will probably score two or three tricks 
only) not only as a signal to our partner as to 
what constitutes our best suit, but — often the 
more important reason — to guard our shorter or 
weaker suits in the hope that we may eventually 
block the adversaries. A twice guarded jack or 
three times guarded lo will at times effect this 
end. 

When by reason of developments or the pecu- 
liar construction of our hand the strength dis- 
card would probably entail loss, the reverse 
DISCARD comes in as a valuable interme- 
diary. 

124 



THE DISCARD 

The reverse discard * is the discard first of 
a higher and then a lower card of a suit — such 
play as in Whist would constitute a trump sig- 
nal — ^and it conveys an inference exactly the 
reverse of that which the discard usually con- 
veys. By the advocates of the strength discard 
it indicates the weakest rather than the strong- 
est suit. It may be stated that the reverse dis- 
card should be attempted only when there is a 
practical certainty that it may at once be com- 
pleted; that is, that the suit which is being led 
will go a second round uninterruptedly. Other- 
wise partner if attempting to reach our suit may 
justifiably take his clew from our one discard, 
and open the wrong suit, perhaps with disas- 
trous results. 

It has been suggested that when our best 
suit consists of four cards only, containing but 
a single honor — a weak suit at best — ^we make 
no attempt to indicate strength, but discard 
rather from a suit which has already been led, if 

* The reverse discard is used also by the exponents of 
the weak suit discard. With them it indicates the 
strongest rather than the weakest suit. 
125 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

to do so would not in any sense militate against 
our interests. 

The discard at all times, however, calls for 
caution and discretion. The question is not sim- 
ply whether we shall discard from our strongest 
or our weakest suit, but, how many discards 
shall we make from the suit, how much protec- 
tion is necessary for the shorter suits, etc., etc.? 
These are questions which must be left largely 
to the judgment of the individual player. Hav- 
ing in mind the point he has set out to attain, he 
must endeavor to judge for himself how long 
his efforts along this particular line will be safe 
and be pliable enough to change his tactics as 
developments render expedient. 

We have perhaps all undergone the experience 
of throwing card after card, often first from one 
suit and then another, — ^the dealer running with 
a long established suit, — in the nerve-racking 
consciousness that we are irrevocably weaken- 
ing both, but without the smallest conception of 
what is best, or what suit we should guard. As 
a rule when it is evident we will be put to many 
discards, it is better to throw from one suit en- 
126 



THE DISCARD 

tirely rather than so weaken all as to be unable 
to offer defense in any. However, we can often 
take our clew to some extent from partner's dis- 
card — if he also is discarding — and throw from 
the suit which he retains, and, conversely, guard 
the one from which he discards. 

The best discard upon partner's double is a 
vexed question. Some advocate from weakness 
upon a spade double, but strength upon the 
double of other suits. Others, though advocat- 
ing upon the double of any suit, the importance 
of working for the long suit, nevertheless ad- 
vise a discard from the suit in order definitely 
to indicate it. Others again argue that, inasmuch 
as a double, save perhaps a spade double, is a 
proclamation of trump strength, the conditions 
become relatively the same as in Whist where, 
trumps originally being led adversely, they are 
taken up and continued by partner. They, there- 
fore, advise the discard, as under these condi- 
tions in Whist, from weakness, on the grounds 
that there is often a reasonable chance that our 
suit may be brought in, and wisdom in keeping 
it intact, 

127 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

The conventional discard, it may be needless 
to explain, applies in its full force to our first 
discard only, and for the most part to cases 
where we have not already had a lead. More- 
over, discarding as a system applies chiefly to 
the non-dealers. The dealer who has much to 
gain and little to lose by false discards, and 
whose strong policy often lies in concealment, 
may employ what tactics seem to him best, bring- 
ing judgment of course to bear and taking care 
effectually to protect such cards in either hand 
as may be needed for re-entries. 

Early in a deal, or at any stage until devel- 
opments have made it expedient, it is unwise to 
blank an ace, unguard an honor, or discard a 
singleton. Blanking an ace, i. e., throwing from 
a suit consisting of ace and one other card only, 
blocks a suit and should the suit turn out to be 
partner's, renders us unable to put him in. A 
similar disability follows upon the discard of a 
singleton. Moreover, the discard of a singleton 
exposes the situation as soon as the suit is led, 
and enables the dealer to place both the number 
and value of the cards of the suit held by part- 
128 



THE DISCARD 

ner, thus often subjecting him (partner) to ad- 
verse finessing. 

The existence of the exposed hand should not 
be ignored, nor should we overlook the fact that 
discards give as valuable inferences to the dealer 
as to partner, and often guide him as to which 
hand can most safely venture a finesse. Occa- 
sionally, even though we hold worthless cards 
only of a suit which it is evident the dealer must 
lead and in which he must likely finesse, we 
should refrain from the discard of a single card 
of the suit in the hope to mislead him as to the 
particular distribution, and perhaps tempt him 
to finesse on the wrong side. As can be seen 
there is no phase of Bridge play which does not 
involves at times deepest strategy and obvious 
departure from rule. Fortunate the player who 
can recognize and successfully meet such situa- 
tions as they occur. 

A discard from partner's suit calls for great 
care even though we are numerically weak in 
the suit. Especially is this so at " no-trump " 
or when there is but one trump remaining and 
it is held adversely. If the dealer suspect our 
129 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

Weakness, he will hold up the command of the 
suit at " no-trump," or the last trump at a trump 
declaration (unless in either case he can run with 
an established suit), until he can read us with 
no more of the suit. He thus minimizes the 
chance of the suit being brought in. 

We should also use care as to the particular 
card we throw from partner's suit, especially at 
" no-trumps " and if we have begun to unblock 
in the suit. Having begun to unblock, we should 
usually throw the higher of two, or the interme- 
diate of three. A careless discard might easily 
block the suit. 



130 



CHAPTER SIXTEEN 

THE dealer's play 

The dealer who has the onus of the two hands 
and who, while lacking the inspiration of an 
intelligent partner, is nevertheless pitted against 
two opponents whose knowledge of dummy's 
holding is equal with his own, and whose legiti- 
mate aim it is to profit to the utmost by the in- 
formation thus afforded, as well as by inferences 
from his own play, needs to be equipped with 
card sense of an unusual order to make the most 
of his dual role. Bridge strategy in fact com- 
prises no features more intricate or difficult, 
though withal fascinating, than those evolved in 
the play of the two hands. 

The ability to grasp what plan or line of action 

offers apparently the greatest promise and to 

keep this plan consistently in view throughout, 

subject of course to changes or modifications 

131 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

as developments may render expedient; the 
ability advantageously and at the right moment 
to place the lead; to save or establish re-entries 
in the hand where apparently they will be 
needed; correctly to judge when and on which 
side to take a finesse; when a trump should be 
led and when discontinued ; rightly to estimate 
the value of a ruff and whether it were better 
to work for this than to disarm the adversaries: 
— in a word, so to play round by round and trick 
by trick, as to secure the best results of which 
the two hands are capable, calls for a thorough 
knowledge of the inherent principles of the game, 
as well as for judgment, adaptability, alertness 
and tact. 

At the same time it can but be admitted that 
the dealer enjoys a direct and very manifest 
advantage over the non-dealers. Not only can 
he make the trump to suit himself — in itself a 
consideration of vital importance — ^but from the 
start he is fully cognizant both of the forces at 
his command and the force combined against 
him. Besides, the leader having made a start 
on his own tack, he often has definite clew re- 
132 



THE DEALER'S PLAY 

garding a third holding. At times, also, in 
cases, that is, where the leader opens with a 
commanding card to hold the lead until dum- 
my's hand is exposed, he has the additional ad- 
vantage of a second lead with the various hints 
or suggestions which it often embodies before 
being compelled definitely to decide upon his 
own course. 

The moment dummy's cards are upon the table 
we (as dealer), should take a careful, though 
hasty, inventory of our stock in trade and de- 
cide upon our campaign, whether it shall be ag- 
gressive or the reverse. If the combination be 
weak and there seem no chance of making game, 
or even the odd trick, then we should bend our 
energies upon saving the game, hazarding noth- 
ing until this end is attained. 

Our first query, naturally upon the adverse 
lead, is: — What does it indicate, strength or 
weakness? If the former, how much, and what 
are the chances that the suit may be brought in? 
If the latter, what does it portend ? Does it point 
to a rufif, or is it the effort to reach and strengthen 
the partner? The particular value of the card 
133 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

led, our own and dummy's holding, should guide 
us usually as to the correct solution. 

If a ruff seem imminent, it behooves us at the 
first opportunity to secure the lead and circum- 
vent it if possible by one or more rounds of 
trumps. More often than not in any event the 
trump lead is advisable, in case, that is, our side 
holds the majority, seven or more. 

The considerations governing a trump lead 
from strength in Whist apply in similar cases in 
Bridge. In no one respect perhaps are the prin- 
ciples governing Bridge more completely in har- 
mony with those governing the parent game than 
in the play and management of trumps. And in 
Bridge no less than in Whist this involves at 
times the deepest strategy. 

When, with the majority of trumps, either 
hand contains a good plain suit established or 
nearly so, or high or commanding cards in 
shorter suits, the question as to the expediency 
of the trump lead admits of no discussion. Lack- 
ing these elements of plain suit strength, the 
trump lead is still often desirable (assuming, 
always, that we hold the majority) both in order 

134 



THE DEALER'S PLAY 

to establish the trump suit, and because, neither 
hand having the ability to ruff, the trumps appar- 
ently can be used to no better purpose. Occa- 
sionally, too, a trump should be led because any 
other lead would, ostensibly, be worse, our plain 
suits being so constructed as that to open them 
ourselves would point to loss. 

In the lead of trumps, or of any suit with 
a view to establishment, care should be taken to 
lead from the hand which is short in the suit to 
the one which has length, or from the weak to 
the strong. A high card from the shorter hand 
usually insures the best chance of a successful 
finesse, and, therefore, of winning the greatest 
number of tricks in the suit of which it is 
capable. 

When the trumps in the two hands total less 
than seven, unless at least five are in one hand 
(and occasionally when this is the case) the wis- 
dom of the trump lead is doubtful, the majority 
being adverse, and perhaps five or more in 
one hand. One of three alternatives usually 
suggests itself in such a case: to play for a ruff 
— cross ruff, if possible ; to force the strong ad- 
135 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

versary; or to work for the establishment of a 
suit. 

When, though holding the majority of trumps, 
the trump lead is not specially urgent, it is often 
well, when otherwise practicable, first to give 
the weak trump hand a chance to ruff. Every 
trick so gained adds just so much to the value 
of our score and is not to be ignored. Care must 
be taken, however, in the adoption of such a 
policy, and decidedly it should not be attempted 
if at the contingent risk of overtrumping. Should 
the trumps in the two hands aggregate nine, two 
rounds usually would exhaust the adversaries, 
when unless the shorter hand originally held two 
trumps only, the ruff could then be given with- 
out any contingent risk. Extremely pretty play 
is involved at times in the effort to give the 
weaker hand a ruff and at the same time avoid 
blocking. Blocking in the trump suit does not 
apply in quite the literal sense as in plain suits, 
but has reference rather to getting rid of high 
or commanding cards from the shorter hand in 
order not to interfere with the continuance of the 
lead until the adversaries are exhausted. 
136 



THE DEALER'S PLAY 

At " no-trumps " the adverse lead as a rule is 
from the longest suit, and, if the suit be not 
already established, with a view to its establish- 
ment and final bringing in. To defeat this pur- 
pose and if possible clear and bring in a suit 
for our side becomes usually the guiding motive 
of our play. As a means to the first end, if hold- 
ing the commanding card of the adverse suit, we 
should generally refuse to part with it until the 
partner of the holder is exhausted of the suit. 
This, as has been repeatedly pointed out, would 
reduce to a minimum the chance of the suit being 
brought in, making it dependent in fact upon the 
holder regaining the lead through re-entry of 
another suit. Should he hold no such re-entry, 
the suit could not be brought in. Better, in- 
finitely, that what tricks in the suit must score to 
the adversaries do so in the start rather than 
when the suit is established and its trick-taking 
capacity proportionately greater. 

It may therefore be stated as a rule, one, how- 
ever, subject to exceptions as noted below, that 
the commanding card of the adverse suit at 
" no-trumps " should be held up until such round 
137 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

as will exhaust the partner of the holder of what 
cards he holds of the suit. 

Exception one: When our side holds an established 
suit, and especially when there are enough tricks in 
sight to insure game. 

Exception two: When we hold two commanding 
cards, or when, with the command, we hold still an- 
other card as will eventually be in command. 

Exception three: When we are entirely defenceless 
in one suit. The adversary, if suspecting this, may shift 
to this suit and perhaps make game or the odd before 
another chance offers for our getting in. Better, there- 
fore, to take the lead and make what is possible in the 
two remaining suits. 

The choice of suit for establishment should 
generally rest with the one that is longest in the 
two hands, and, it goes without saying, we should 
endeavor to establish it in the hand which is 
longest. If having to choose between two suits 
of practically equal value, numerically and other- 
wise, we should, obviously, select the one which 
when established would insure the greater num- 
ber of tricks. A suit, for instance, divided six 
and three is better than one divided five and 
four, and one divided five and three than one 
138 



THE DEALER'S PLAY 

four and four. Conditions being equal in this 
respect, we should select the one in the hand 
containing re-entries ; should both contain re- 
ntries, the one shown upon the table, it being 
a cardinal principle of Bridge that the dealer 
publish no information which he may as easily 
withhold. 

Should it develop that a continuance of our 
suit would but establish it adversely, we should 
abandon it and adopt the next best expedient. 
We need not hesitate in regard to continuing the 
suit adversely led if our side has length in the 
suit and will ultimately be in command. Care 
should be used, however, to lead the suit in the 
most advantageous way possible, or through the 
strong. 

It is important at all times in the effort at 
establishment that the lead be made from the cor- 
rect hand, usually from the one which is short 
in the suit to the one which has length. The 
correct lead from the correct hand constitutes 
in fact one of the great essentials to the suc- 
cessful play of the two hands. A high card from 
the shorter suit not only lessens the danger of 
139 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

blocking, but as a general thing admits of a 
finesse (if finesse be necessary) from the hand 
entailing the least risk and therefore insures the 
best chance of establishing the suit at the smallest 
cost. At times it is well to defer the effort at 
establishment until the lead can be correctly 
placed. 

It is in fact at all times of the first importance 
that the lead be placed where it is most effective. 
To throw it first to the one hand, then the other, 
now here, then there, back and forth, back and 
forth, as expedient, calls at times for the closest 
maneuvering. This phase of the dealer's play 
has been aptly compared to the weaving back 
and forth of a shuttle. 

It should be borne in mind, however, that an 
established suit can avail naught unless the 
holder is in the lead. It is not alone sufiicient, 
therefore, to establish a suit, but we should care- 
fully consider the chances of the suit being 
brought in. Should the hand containing the suit 
have less than the needed re-entries to this end, 
or should it be unlikely that the other hand, 
though perhaps containing re-entries, could put 
140 



THE DEALER'S PLAY 

it in through a card of the suit, we should de- 
vise means (if at all possible) by which it might 
regain the lead after the suit is established. 

Building or establishing re-entries which in- 
volves at times extremely pretty and facile play 
develops in various forms. At times it can be 
accomplished through the use of the descha- 
pelle's coup, which will be explained in the fol- 
lowing chapter.* At others, in overtaking, that 
is, taking a trick already partner's, or in winning 
a trick with a card higher than necessary, when 
to do so will promote a smaller one held by part- 
ner. An example will best illustrate: — We as 
dealer declare " no-trumps." Elder leads fourth 
best heart. Dummy's hand is as follows: — 
Queen, jack hearts; king, jack, 8, 7, 5 and 3 
diamonds; king and small club; and two small 
spades. We hold ace, king and one small heart ; 
queen diamonds only; ace and four small clubs; 
ace and three small spades. As it is most un- 
likely that diamond ace will be played to the first 
round, we at once see that in order both to es- 
tablish and bring in dummy's suit, he, dummy, 

*See page 157 
141 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

must have two re-entries. As he has but one, 
king clubs — ^this is sure, as we hold ace — we 
must build a second one. To this end we over- 
take dummy's jack hearts with ace hearts, lead 
diamond queen, which wins the trick, and then 
small heart, dummy getting in with queen. 
Dummy then leads king diamonds, which forces 
ace, later regains the lead with king of clubs, and 
makes his suit. Ignorant or careless play to the 
first trick would have lost it. 

We must not run away with the idea that a 
re-entry card must of necessity be a high card. 
Any card which enables a player to recover the 
lead, be its value what it may — ace, king, queen, 
or even a three spot — is a re-entry card. 

Occasionally it develops that one or more 
tricks in our own or dummy's suit must be won 
adversely with card or cards other than com- 
mand. When this is so, if the hand containing 
the suit be without the needed re-entries to bring 
in the suit, or if it is unlikely the other hand could 
put it in with a card of the suit, the first, and at 
times the second trick also, should be passed. 
This is known as ducking. To illustrate: — We 
142 



THE DEALER'S PLAY 

declare "no-trumps." Dummy reveals ace, king 
and six small clubs ; the rest of his hand is worth- 
less. We, though well provided with re-entries 
in other suits, have two small clubs only. Elder 
leads fourth best diamond. We win with ace and 
lead small club, to which elder renounces, thus 
marking pone with queen, jack and lo. No play 
can prevent one of these cards from winning. 
It becomes of the first importance, therefore, that 
it be compelled to win on the first round, while 
zve still remain with a card of the suit. To this 
end we play low from dummy, forcing pone's 
10, on the next round recover the lead, give 
dummy our remaining club and he makes the 
suit. Had pone not been forced to win the first 
round, this would have been impossible. 

Unblocking, which at first thought, the two 
hands being known, would seem to involve no 
special skill, nevertheless, as all other plays, calls 
for forethought and judgment. Not simply high 
or commanding cards in the shorter hand may 
block, but intermediate or even small ones may 
do so, and from the start we should carefully 
weigh the respective value of the cards of the 
143 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

suit in the two hands, and endeavor so to play as 
will effectually obviate any danger in this regard. 

Finesse is one of the most interesting features 
which the dealer has to handle. As an estab- 
lished suit at the start is rather the exception than 
the rule, generally one or more rounds must be 
played, and often one or more finesses ventured, 
before this end is attained. Occasionally in order 
to capture a high adverse card of a suit, the suit 
must be led twice from the same hand. Such 
contingency must be provided for if possible by 
establishing, or at least saving, re-entries, as 
needed, in this particular hand that the leatl, if 
lost, may quickly be recovered. 

It will often be found better to finesse on the 
second round of a suit than the first, there being 
always a chance that the high adverse card will 
fall to the first round. In any event the play to 
the first round will at times guide us as to which 
hand can the more safely risk the finesse. Dis- 
cards are at times effective in enabling us to 
judge as to the hand which may best venture the 
finesse, we assuming naturally that a player who 
freely discards from a suit has no protection in 
144 



THE DEALER'S PLAY 

the suit, and that the missing high card or cards 
are therefore with his partner. 

It is unwise to finesse in a suit containing in 
the two hands nine cards including both ace and 
king. The remaining four will usually fall to the 
two rounds. Neither should we finesse in a suit 
which contains ten cards, including ace, queen, 
and jack. Unless one adversary is void entirely 
of the suit, one of them holds a singleton, as 
likely to be king as any other card. If queen or 
jack, or both, are in one hand and ace in the 
other, queen or jack, as the case may be, should 
be led towards the ace, but whether or not it be 
covered by king, ace should be played third in 
hand in the event, i. e., that second player does 
not renounce to the suit. In such case the play 
must be guided by individual judgment. 

If one hand be strong and the other weak, we 
should so finesse as, if the finesse loses, would 
enable the strong hand to be fourth player to 
the next round. 

Second hand play by the dealer is influenced 
by various considerations: the rank of the card 
led, and the evident bearing of the lead, the par- 
145 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

ticular cards of the suit in the two hands, where 
it is most desirable to keep re-entries, where it 
is better to have the lead, and, to a greater or less 
extent, by the nature of the declaration, whether 
"no-trumps" or a trump. 

Even on low card led at a trump declaration 
when the other hand would be unable to win the 
trick, it is often well to play ace and lead a trump. 
This should always be done if the lead points to 
the probability of a ruff, or if our other hand, 
being weak in trumps, could ruff the next round. 
In the latter case, however, we would not lead 
the trump, but a small card of the suit. 

If able to win the trick in either hand, we 
should aim to do so in the one least likely to be 
in need of re-entries, or where it seems most de- 
sirable to have the lead. If these considerations 
have no special weight, it is well often to pass in 
the second hand, that fourth hand may capture 
what high card of the suit may be with third 
player, thus often at the same time enabling us to 
infer as to the particular distribution. 

The rule for the play of the lowest of cards in 
sequence (save alone when held by the dealer), 
146 



THE DEALER'S PLAY 

should usually be observed; also for covering 
from a fourchette. We include as cards in se- 
quence not only those in sequence in our own 
hand, but such in dummy's hand as form a se- 
quence with our own. So, also, the two cards 
composing a fourchette may be divided, one in 
each hand. 

With king and one low or queen and one low 
with dummy at "no-trumps" it is usually well to 
play the higher card — ^the case not being covered 
by the foregoing — save when our holding in- 
cludes jack and two others, or ace, lo and an- 
other, when low should be played. However, 
with queen and two low with dummy at "no- 
trumps," and small cards only of the suit with 
us, it is generally well to risk dummy's queen on 
the chance that the lead is from both ace and 
king. With a tenace as ace, queen, etc., with 
dummy, especially at " no-trumps," low usually 
should be played. 

The ELEVEN RULE is oftcu effective in enabling 
us to place the high adverse cards of a suit. An 
example will best illustrate: — We, as dealer de- 
clare "no-trumps." Elder leads 6 of spades. 
147 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

Dummy shows ace, lo, 9 and one small spade. 
We hold king and two small. By the eleven rule 
it is evident that but one card higher than the 
one led (6) is with pone. Dummy plays low, 
pone puts up jack and we win with king. We 
then lead small spade. Dummy wins with 9, 
gives us back the lead with a heart, we lead an- 
other spade, which dummy wins with 10, and 
then makes his ace, our side thus scoring four 
tricks in the suit. Had ace, thoughtlessly, been 
put up on the second round, this would have 
been impossible. 

At any time before abandoning the lead from 
one hand to put in the hand with an established 
suit, we should first make anything possible in 
the hand, if, apparently, it would be unable later 
to recover the lead. Hasty play at this point 
could easily lose one or more tricks. 



148 



CHAPTER SEVENTEEN 

TRUMP MANAGEMENT^ FINESSE AND CRITICAL 
ENDINGS 

GENERAL REMARKS 

The correct management of trumps furnishes 
one of the most difficult problems which the 
player has to handle. Trumps are at all times 
wonderfully subtle and powerful agencies, and 
to make the most of a deal it is absolutely essen- 
tial that we be impressed with this fact; with 
their intrinsic value, their trick-taking capacity 
as compared with the plain suits. One's best laid 
schemes are often thwarted not alone because of 
the superior trumps held by the adversary, but 
because of the manner in which he uses and skil- 
fully adjusts them to the needs of the occasion. 

Various considerations in connection with 
trump play have already been explained. It re- 
mains but to consider a few only — space will not 
149 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

admit of many — of the finer and more delicate 
points involved. 

As has been repeatedly impressed upon us, 
judicious forcing is one of the surest defences 
of a weak hand. If the player refuse the force 
it should be attempted again and again. Nothing 
so reduces a player's strength, often compelling 
him to adopt measures entirely the reverse of 
those originally intended, as repeated forcing. 
At the same time the forcing play, as all plays in 
Bridge, should be tempered with discretion and 
governed with reason. 

As the primary object of adverse forcing is 
to so weaken the strong holder as to render him 
unable to exhaust us of trumps, it follows that if 
he be so strong that the force can do him no 
harm, it is useless to give it. So, also, it would be 
folly to force a player who remains with the long 
trumps and an established suit. Better rather to 
make what offers in our own hand before giving 
up the lead. To attempt to force with a card 
other than the command often results disas- 
trously. The partner of the strong hand may 
take the trick with a suit card and thus not only 
150 



GENERAL REMARKS 

save the force but enable the strong hand to 
make an effective discard. With many players 
the aversion to the lead of a commanding card, 
knowing that it will be trumped, is so deeply 
rooted that they will adopt almost any line of 
play in preference. Absolutely the best use to 
which we can put our long suit, if unable to bring 
it in, is in forcing and weakening the strong ad- 
versary, and the sooner this fact impresses itself 
upon us, the better and more satisfactory our 
results as a player. If the strong adversary hold 
originally five trumps and we three, by forcing 
twice we reduce him to the same level as our- 
selves, with the result not infrequently that our 
side brings in a suit rather than his. 

However, to lead a suit of which both oppo- 
nents are known to be void, trumps not being 
exhausted, would be unwise. The weaker ad- 
versary would trump and the stronger perhaps 
make an effective discard. 

By an inverse process of reasoning, it follows 
that to force the strong trump hand of our part- 
ner would be most injudicious. If we infer him 
to be weak, we should force freely; so, also, if 

151 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

a cross ruff (alternate trumping by partners) 
may be secured, as a general thing we need not 
hesitate to force. When opposed to the dealer, 
partner not having doubled, we should generally 
force at every opportunity, as our policy, being 
usually a defensive one, certainly would not lie 
in keeping our trumps intact until the dealer 
leads and exhauts them. 

The importance of being in control of trumps 
the last time they are led cannot be overesti- 
mated. To this end, if at all possible, we 
should regulate our play throughout. The player 
in control at this stage is the player generally 
who brings in a suit. However, when there is 
an adverse cross ruff, actual or impending, an 
immediate trump lead, and of the command, if 
holding it, is demanded. This, regardless of our 
holding in trumps. 

When remaining with long trumps and a los- 
ing card of a plain suit, it is best to lead the 
trumps. In the various discards the plain suit 
card may be promoted to command. 

When two trumps only remain in play, the 
commanding one with the adversary, it, as a rule, 
153 



GENERAL REMARKS 

should be forced with a suit card. However, 
if we hold the losing trump, and partner an 
established suit, but no re-entry, we should lead 
the trump and force the command, if assured of 
soon regaining the lead, before parting with the 
last card of partner's suit. When three trumps 
remain in play, one each in the two partner's 
hands, and the commanding one adverse, again 
the command as a rule should be forced with a 
suit card. We may thus make our two trumps 
separately. 

When two trumps only remain in play, the 
losing one adverse, generally the obvious and 
only right play is to draw it. Cases arise at 
times, however, where to draw the losing trump 
would be most injudicious. If our side has an 
established suit the trump should be drawn as a 
matter of course. So, also, it should be drawn 
if in the hand of the opponent who holds an 
established suit, as, if he holds outside re-entry, 
or even if his partner holds re-entry, having a 
card of the suit to lead him, the suit is bound to 
make. No play can prevent it. If, however, 
the losing trump is with the partner of the holder 
153 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

of the suit, and he (the partner) still remains 
with a card of the suit, — ^this having been shown 
from previous play — ^the trump should not be 
drawn, as a matter of course. Our policy rather 
should be to place the lead adversely, in the hope 
that another round of the adverse suit would 
exhaust the partner of the holder of the last card 
he holds of the suit, and so render him un- 
able, should he later regain the lead, to put the 
holder in. This can best be accomplished, as a 
rule, by another round of our own or partner's 
suit. 

The inclination to overtrump is natural and 
as a general thing right and proper. Cases occa- 
sionally arise, however, where to overtrump 
would involve the loss of one or more tricks. 
At the eleventh trick, if we hold best and fourth 
best trumps to right opponent's second and third 
best, we should never overtrump third best. To 
do so would compel us to lead to the next round, 
and thus endanger the loss of both the two re- 
maining tricks, whereas, if the lead could be kept 
with right opponent, as it would if we refused 
to overtrump, we would make them both. 
154 



GENERAL REMARKS 

Whenever, also at the eleventh trick — at cer- 
tain critical stages to be in the lead is often to 
be in an exceedingly doubtful position, one in- 
volving more loss than gain — we know from 
previous play that the only remaining trumps 
are equally divided between partner and our left 
adversary, we should overtake, that is, take the 
trick already partner's, if within our power, to 
give him, partner, the advantage of position or 
tenace. 

A few further suggestions bearing upon fi- 
nesse :- — Finesse becomes often a question of the 
score. No finesse, therefore, should be made 
bearing upon the trick which, if won, would 
make or save game. However, we may finesse 
in the hope of making game if assured that fail- 
ure will not lose game. 

When finesse if successful would gain but one 
trick, though failure would lose several, we 
should not finesse. We should not in any case 
make a finesse without first considering what 
would result in case of failure and whether the 
risk were worth while. While deep finesse in 
trumps is often allowable, no finesse should be 
155 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

ventured if there is an adverse ruff, actual or 
impending. Better rather to take the immediate 
trick and continue the trump lead. 

Especially at "no-trumps" we should make no 
finesse which, if successful, would let in the 
player holding an established suit. 

The OBLIGATORY OR ARBITRARY FINESSE, Ell ex- 
tremely pretty and effective play is, briefly, as 
follows: — We remain with second and fourth 
best cards of a suit. The best of the suit is 
marked at our left. Location of third best un- 
known. Upon the suit being returned us by 
partner, it becomes obligatory upon us — hence 
the name — to play fourth rather than second 
best, as if both best and third best are with left 
opponent, he holds over us, however we play; 
while if he holds best only, fourth best will force 
it, and leave us in command. To illustrate: — 
We originally lead fourth best from queen, lo 
and two or more small. Partner wins with king 
and returns small. Ace positively is at our 
left. Location of jack is unknown. We there- 
fore play not queen, but lo, knowing that if left 
opponent holds jack as well as ace, he holds over 
IS6 



GENERAL REMARKS 

us in any event, while if he simply holds ace, 
fourth best (lo) will force it and leave queen in 
command. Should we play queen, and jack 
be with right opponent, jack would be in com- 
mand. 

When having no card of partner's established 
suit, often an effective way of providing him 
with re-entry is through the deschapelles' 

COUP. 

Deschapelles* Coup consists in the lead of 
king, queen, or jack, as the case may be, from 
the top of a suit not previously opened, regard- 
less of any special holding in the suit, in cases 
where we have no established suit of our own, 
and no card of partner's suit with which to put 
him in. Deschapelles' Coup applies both at "no- 
trumps" and at a trump, when (the conditions 
being as above described), trumps are either ex- 
hausted or we hold the only ones remaining. 
The primary object of the play is at once to force 
what high card or cards of the suit may be ad- 
verse, in the hope that a subsequent round will 
find partner in command. To illustrate: — 
Dummy holds an established suit but no re-entry. 
157 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

We (dealers) re-entries, but no established suit, 
and no card of partner's established suit. Dummy 
holds queen and two small of a side suit; we 
king, etc., of the same suit. We, therefore, lead 
king of this suit in the hope that it will force 
the adverse ace, and promote dummy's queen. It 
may be stated that Deschapelles' Coup can usu- 
ally be defeated by the adversary who holds the 
ace, more particularly if this be right hand ad- 
versary, by a refusal to play the ace on the first 
round. Reasoning from the standpoint that our 
next lead from the suit will doubtless of necessity 
be a low card, compelling the high card from the 
hand containing the established suit, and that if 
it fall to the ace, he, the player with the suit, 
will lose perhaps his only chance of re-entry, the 
adversary holding the ace should generally hold 
it up on the first round (unless having an estab- 
lished suit) when the motive of the play is sus- 
pected. 

Deschapelles' Coup applies equally to the 

dealer and the non-dealer. As non-dealer we of 

course are ignorant as to what partner may hold 

in the particular suit. Still, when our only chance 

158 



GENERAL REMARKS 

of enabling partner to bring in an established 
suit, or of winning or saving game, depends upon 
his (partner's) holding a certain card or cards, 
it is right and proper that we assume him to hold 
them and govern our play accordingly. 



IS9 



CHAPTER EIGHTEEN 

BRIDGE FOR THREE PLAYERS 

Three handed Bridge, as played in England, 
furnishes perhaps the most pleasing, as well as 
scientific variation of the game proper so far 
devised. Briefly explained, it is as follows: — 

As when played by four, the players cut for 
deal, the one cutting lowest securing both the 
deal and dummy. At the completion of the deal, 
pone, the player to the dealer's right, moves one 
seat to the right, (sitting opposite the original 
dealer), and the player to the original dealer's 
left becomes dealer and has dummy for the sec- 
ond deal. This form is observed throughout the 
rubber, each player in turn securing the deal and 
dummy, but retaining them for the one hand 
only. 

When the make is passed, the player at the 
dealer's right looks at dummy's cards and an- 
i6o 



BRIDGE FOR THREE PLAYERS 

nounces the declaration. It is in accordance with 
arbitrary rulings. 

With four aces, or three aces, "no-trumps" is 
declared. Lacking these essentials, the longest 
suit. Should two suits be of equal length, that 
one is declared which totals the highest counting 
by spots, the ace counting as ii, and the king, 
queen and jack, as lo each. When two suits are 
equal in this respect, that one is declared which 
has the higher trick valuation. 

When the make is passed, the elder alone may 
double. 

On an original make, either adversary may 
double, but in no case may dummy re-double. 

Individual scores are kept. The system of 
scoring, with one or two exceptions, is the same 
as in four-handed Bridge. A player may win 
game only on his own deal. Therefore, if the 
non-dealers score the odd trick or tricks, the value 
of the tricks gained is placed, not in their trick 
but their honor score. Fifty points are added 
to the honor score of the player winning game, 
and an additional fifty to the honor score of the 
player or players who win the rubber. 
i6i 



THE REVISED LAWS OF BRIDGE. 

AS ADOPTED BY 

THE NEW YORK WHIST CLUB 

NEW YORK, DECEMBER, I905 
ALSO THE 

ETIQUETTE OF THE GAME 

THE RUBBER 

1. The rubber is the best of three games. If 
the first two games be won by the same partners, 
the third game is not played. 

SCORING 

2. A game consists of thirty points obtained 
by tricks alone, exclusive of any points counted 
for honors, chicane or slam. 

3. Every deal is played out and any points 
in excess of thirty points necessary for the game 
are counted. 

4. Each trick above six counts two points 

162 



REVISED LAWS OF BRIDGE 

when spades are trumps, four points when clubs 
are trumps, six points when diamonds are 
trumps, eight points when hearts are trumps, and 
twelve points when there are no trumps. 

5. Honors are ace, king, queen, knave and 
ten of the trump suit ; or the aces when no trump 
is declared. 

6. Honors are credited to the original holder 
and are valued as follows : 

WHEN A TRUMP IS DECLARED 

3 honors held between partners equal 

value of 2 tricks 

4 honors held between partners equal 

value of 4 ** 

5 honors held between partners equal 

value of 5 " 

4 honors in one hand equal value of. . 8 " 

4 honors held in a hand, 5th in part- 

ner's hand, equal value of 9 " 

5 honors in one hand equal value of.. 10 " 

WHEN NO TRUMP IS DECLARED 

3 aces held between partners count 30 

4 " " " " " 40 

4 aces in one hand count 100 

163 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

7. If a player and his partner make thirteen 
tricks, independently of any tricks gained by the 
revoke penalty, they score slam and add forty 
points to the honor count. 

8. Little slam is twelve tricks similarly made, 
and adds twenty points to the honor count. 

9. Chicane (one hand void of trumps) is 
equal in value to simple honors, i. e., if partner 
of player having chicane score honors he adds 
the value of three honors to his score, while, if 
the adversaries score honors, it deducts an equal 
value from theirs.* 

10. The value of honors, slam, little slam or 
chicane, is in no wise afifected by doubling or 
re-doubling. 

11. At the conclusion of a rubber the scores 
for tricks and honors (including chicane and 
slam) obtained by each side are added, and one 
hundred points are added to the score of the win- 
ners of the rubber. The difference between the 

♦Double Chicane (both hands void of trumps) is 
equal in value to four honors, and the value thereof 
must be deducted from the total honor score of the 
adversaries. 

164 



REVISED LAWS OF BRIDGE 

completed scores is the number of points won or 
lost by the winners of the rubber. 

12. If an erroneous score affecting honors, 
chicane or slam be proved, such mistake may be 
corrected at any time before the score of the 
rubber has been made up and agreed upon. 

13. If an erroneous score affecting tricks be 
proved, such mistake must be corrected prior to 
the conclusion of the game in which it has oc- 
curred, and such game shall not be considered 
as concluded until the following deal has been 
completed and the trump declared, unless it be 
that the game is the last one of the rubber, — ^then 
the score is subject to inquiry until an agree- 
ment between the sides (as to the value of the 
rubber) shall have been reached. 

CUTTING 

14. The ace is the lowest card. 

15. In all cases every player must cut from 
the same pack. 

16. Should a player expose more than one 
card, he must cut again. 

165 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

FORMING TABLES 

17. If there are more than four candidates, 
the players are selected by cutting, those first in 
the room having the preference. The four who 
cut the lowest cards play first. 

18. After the table is formed, the players cut 
to decide on partners; the two lowest playing 
against the two highest. The lowest is the 
dealer, who has choice of cards and seats, and 
who, having once made his selection, must abide 
by it. 

19. Should the two players who cut lowest 
secure cards of equal value, they shall re-cut to 
determine which of the two shall deal, and the 
lower on the re-cut deals. 

20. Should three players cut cards of equal 
value, they cut again; if the fourth card be the 
highest, the two lowest of the new cut are part- 
ners, and the lower of the two the dealer; if, 
however, the fourth card be the lowest, the two 
highest on the re-cut are partners, and the orig- 
inal lowest the dealer. 

21. Six players constitute a full table, and 

166 



REVISED LAWS OF BRIDGE 

no player shall have a right to cut into a game 
which is complete. 

22. When there are more than six candi- 
dates, the right to succeed any player who may 
retire is acquired by announcing the desire to do 
so, and such announcement shall constitute a 
prior right to the first vacancy. 

CUTTING OUT 

23. If at the end of a rubber admission be 
claimed by one or two candidates, the player or 
players having played a greater number of con- 
secutive rubbers shall withdraw; but when all 
have played the same number, they must cut to 
decide upon the outgoers ; the highest are out. 

RIGHTS OF ENTRY 

24. A candidate desiring to enter a table 
must declare such wish before any player at the 
table cut a card, either for the purpose of com- 
mencing a fresh rubber or of cutting out. 

25. In the formation of new tables, those 
candidates who have neither belonged to nor 
played at any other table have the prior right of 

167 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

entry. Those who have already played decide 
their right of admission by cutting. 

26. A player who cuts into one table while 
belonging to another, shall forfeit his prior right 
of re-entry into the latter, unless by doing so he 
enables three candidates to form a fresh table. 
In this event he may signify his intention of re- 
turning to his original table, and his place at the 
new one can be filled. 

27. Should any player quit the table during 
the progress of a rubber, he may, with the con- 
sent of the other three players, appoint a sub- 
stitute during his absence ; but such appointment 
shall become void with the conclusion of the rub- 
ber, and shall not in any way affect the substi- 
tute's rights. 

28. If anyone break up a table, the remain- 
ing players have a prior right to play at other 
tables. 

SHUFFLING 

29. The pack must neither be shuffled below 
the table nor so the face of any card be seen. 

30. The dealer's partner must collect the 

168 



REVISED LAWS OF BRIDGE 

cards for the ensuing deal and he has the 
first right to shuffle the cards. Each player has 
the right to shuffle subsequently. The dealer 
has the right to shuffle last, but should a card or 
cards be seen during his shuffling, or whilst giv- 
ing the pack to be cut, he must re-shuffle. 

31. Each player, after shuffling, must place 
the cards properly collected and face downward 
to the left of the player next to deal. 

THE DEAL 

32. Each player deals in his turn; the order 
of dealing goes to the left. 

33. The player on the dealer's right cuts the 
pack, and in dividing it, must not leave fewer 
than four cards in either packet ; if in cutting or 
in replacing one of the two packets a card be ex- 
posed, or if there be any confusion of the cards, 
or a doubt as to the exact place in which the 
pack was divided, there must be a fresh cut. 

34. When the player whose duty it is to cut 
has once separated the pack, he can neither re- 
shuffle, nor re-cut the cards. 

169 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

35. Should the dealer shuffle the cards after 
the pack is cut, the pack must be cut again. 

36. The fifty-two cards shall be dealt face 
downward. The deal is not completed until the 
last card has been dealt face downward. 

37. There is no misdeal. 

A NEW DEAL 

38. There must be a new deal : 

a. If the cards be not dealt into four packets, one 
at a time and in regular rotation, beginning at the 
dealer's left. 

b. If, during a deal, or during the play of a hand, 
the pack be proved incorrect or imperfect. 

c. If any card be faced in the pack. 

d. If any player have dealt to him a greater number 
of cards than thirteen. 

e. If the dealer deal two cards at once and then deal 
a third before correcting the error. 

f. If the dealer omit to have the pack cut and the 
adversaries call attention to the fact prior to the con- 
clusion of the deal and before looking at their cards. 

g. Should the last card not come in its regular order 
to the dealer. 

39. There may be a new deal : 

a. If the dealer or his partner expose a card. Either 
adversary may claim a new deal. 
170 



REVISED LAWS OF BRIDGE 

b. If either adversary expose a card. The dealer 
may claim a new deal. 

c. If, before fifty-one cards are dealt, the dealer 
should look at any card. His adversaries have the 
right to see it, and either may exact a new deal. 

d. If, in dealing, one of the last cards be exposed 
by the dealer or his partner, and the deal is completed 
before there is reasonable time for either adversary 
to decide as to a new deal. But in all other cases such 
penalties must be claimed prior to the conclusion of 
the deal. 

40. The claim for a new deal by reason of a 
card exposed during the deal may not be made 
by a player who has looked at any of his cards. 
If a new deal does not take place, the card ex- 
posed during the deal cannot be called. 

41. Should three players have their right 
number of cards, the fourth have less than thir- 
teen, and not discover such deficiency until he 
has played any of his cards, the deal stands good ; 
should he have played, he, not being dummy, is 
answerable for any revoke he may have made as 
if the missing card or cards had been in his hand. 
He may search the other pack for it or them. 

42. If, during the play of a hand, a pack be 

171 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

proved incorrect or imperfect, such proof ren- 
ders only the current deal void, and does not 
affect any prior score. The dealer must deal 
again. (Law 38 b.) 

43. Any one dealing out of turn or with the 
adversaries' cards must be corrected before the 
play of the first card, otherwise the deal stands 
good. 

44. A player can neither cut, shuffle nor deal 
for his partner without the permission of his 
opponents. 

DECLARING TRUMPS 

45. The trump is declared. No card is 
turned. 

a. The dealer may either make the trump or pass the 
declaration to his partner. 

b. If the declaration be passed to partner, he must 
declare the trump. 

46. Should the dealer's partner make the 
trump without receiving permission from the 
dealer, either adversary may demand: 

1st. That the trump shall stand, or 
2d. ' That there shall be a new deal, 
172 



REVISED LAWS OF BRIDGE 

provided, that no declaration as to doubling has 
been made. Should the dealer's partner pass the 
declaration to the dealer, it shall be the right of 
either adversary to claim a new deal or to com- 
pel the offending player to declare the trump; 
provided, that no declaration as to doubling has 
been made. 

47. The adversaries of the dealer must not 
consult as to which of the penalties under the 
foregoing law shall be exacted. 

48. If either of the dealer's adversaries make 
a declaration, the dealer may, after looking at 
his hand, either claim a new deal or proceed as 
if no declaration had been made. 

49. A declaration once made cannot be al- 
tered. 

DOUBLING, RE-DOUBLING, ETC. 

50. The effect of doubling, re-doubling, and 
so on, is that the value of each trick above six is 
doubled, quadrupled, and so on. 

51. After the trump declaration has been 
made by the dealer or his partner, their adver- 
saries have the right to double. The eldest hand 

173 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

has the first right. If he does not wish to double, 
he may ask his partner, "May I lead?" His 
partner must answer, "Yes," or "I double." 

52. If either of their adversaries elect to 
double, the dealer and his partner have the right 
to re-double. The player who has declared the 
trump shall have the first right. He may say, 
"I re-double," or "Satisfied." Should he say the 
latter, his partner may re-double. 

53. If the dealer or his partner elect to re- 
double, their adversaries shall have the right to 
again double. The original doubler has the first 
right. 

54. If the right-hand adversary of the dealer 
double before his partner has asked "May I 
lead?" the maker of the trump shall have the 
right to say whether or not the double shall 
stand. If he decide that the double shall stand, 
the process of re-doubling may continue as de- 
scribed in paragraphs 52, 53, 55. 

55. Whenever the value of each trick above 
six exceeds one hundred points there shall be no 
further doubling in that hand, if any player ob- 
jects. The first right to continue the re-doubling 

174 



REVISED LAWS OF BRIDGE 

on behalf of a partnership belonging to that 
player who has last re-doubled. Should he, how- 
ever, express himself satisfied, the right to con- 
tinue the re-doubling passes to his partner. 
Should any player re-double out of turn, the ad- 
versary who last doubled shall decide whether or 
not such double shall stand. If it is decided 
that the re-double shall stand, the process of 
re-doubling may continue as described in this 
and foregoing laws (52 and 53). If a double 
or re-double out of turn be not accepted there 
shall be no further doubling in that hand. Any 
consultation between partners as to doubling or 
re-doubling will entitle the maker of the trump 
or either adversary, without consultation, 'to a 
new deal. 

56. If the eldest hand lead before the doub- 
ling be completed, his partner may re-double 
only with the consent of the adversary who last 
doubled; but such lead shall not affect the right 
of either adversary to double. 

57. When the question "May I lead?" has 
been answered in the affirmative, or when the 
player who has the last right to continue the 

175 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

doubling expresses himself satisfied, the play 
shall begin. 

58. If the eldest hand lead without asking 
permission, his partner may only double if the 
maker of the trump consent. If the right-hand 
adversary of the dealer say, "May I play?" out 
of turn, the eldest hand does not thereby lose 
the right to double. 

59. If the right-hand adversary of the dealer 
lead out of turn, the maker of the trump may 
call a suit from the eldest hand, who may only 
double if the maker of the trump consent. In 
this case no penalty can be exacted after the 
dummy hand or any part of it is on the table, 
since he (dummy) has accepted the situation. 

60. A declaration as to doubling or re- 
doubling once made cannot be altered. 

DUMMY 

61. As soon as the eldest hand has led, the 
dealer's partner shall place his cards face upward 
on the table, and the duty of playing the cards 
from that hand shall devolve upon the dealer, 
unassisted by his partner. 

176 



REVISED LAWS OF BRIDGE 

62. After exposing his cards, the dealer's 
partner has no part whatever in the game, except 
that he has the right to ask the dealer if he has 
none of the suit to which he may have renounced. 
Until the trump is declared and the dealer's part- 
ner's hand is exposed on the table, he has all the 
rights of a player and may call attention to any 
irregularity of, or to demand equally with the 
dealer, any penalty from the adversaries. 

63. If he should call attention to any other 
incident of the play, in consequence of which 
any penalty might be exacted, the fact of his 
doing so precludes the dealer exacting such pen- 
alty. He has the right, however, to correct an 
erroneous score, and he may, at any time during 
the play, correct the claim of either adversary to 
a penalty to which the latter is not entitled. He 
may also call his partner's attention to the fact 
that the trick has not been completed. 

64. If the dealer's partner, by touching a 
card, or otherwise, suggest the play of a card 
from dummy, either of the adversaries may, but 
without consultation, call on the dealer to play 
or not to play the card suggested. 

177 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

65. Dummy is not liable to the penalty for 
a revoke ; and if he should revoke and the error 
be not discovered until the trick is turned and 
quitted, the trick stands good. 

66. When the dealer draws a card from his 
own hand such card is not considered as played 
until actually quitted, but should he name or 
touch a card from the dummy hand, such card is 
considered as played unless the dealer in touch- 
ing the card or cards says "I arrange," or words 
to that effect. 

CARDS EXPOSED BEFORE PLAY 

6y. If, after the deal has been completed, and 
before the trump declaration has been made, 
either the dealer or his partner expose a card 
from his hand, either adversary, may, without 
consulting with his partner, claim a new deal. 

68. If, after the deal has been completed, and 
before a card is led, any player shall expose a 
card, his partner shall forfeit any right to double 
or re-double which he otherwise would have been 
entitled to exercise ; and in case of a card being 
so exposed by the leader's partner, the dealer 
178 



REVISED LAWS OF BRIDGE 

may either call the card or require the leader not 
to lead the suit of the exposed card. 

CARDS EXPOSED DURING PLAY 

69. All cards exposed by the dealer's adver- 
saries are liable to be called, and such cards 
must be left face upward on the table. 

70. The following are exposed cards: 

1st. Two or more cards played at once. 

2d. Any card dropped with its face upwards, or in 
any way exposed on the table, even though snatched 
up so quickly that no one can name it. 

3d. Every card so held by a player that any por- 
tion of its face may be seen by his partner. 

71. A card dropped on the floor or elsewhere 
below the table is not an exposed card. 

^2. If two or more cards be played at once 
by either of the dealer's adversaries, the dealer 
shall have the right to call which one he pleases 
to the current trick and the other card or cards 
shall remain face upward on the table and may 
be demanded at any time. 

73. If, without waiting for his partner to 
play, either of the dealer's adversaries should 
179 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

play on the table the best card or lead one which 
is a winning card, as against the dealer and 
dummy, or should continue (without waiting for 
his partner to play) to lead several such cards, 
the dealer may demand that the partner of the 
player in fault, win, if he can, the first, or any 
other of these tricks, and the other cards thus 
improperly played are exposed cards. 

74. If either or both of the dealer's adver- 
saries throw his or their cards on the table face 
upward, such cards are exposed and are liable 
to be called; but if either adversary retain his 
hand he cannot be forced to abandon it. Cards 
exposed by the dealer are not liable to be called. 
If the dealer should say "I have the rest," or any 
other words indicating that the remaining tricks 
are his, he may be required to place his cards 
face upward on the table. The adversaries of 
the dealer are not liable to have any of their 
cards called should they expose them, believing 
the dealer's claim to be true, should it subse- 
quently prove false. 

75. If a player who has rendered himself 
liable to have the highest or lowest of a suit 

180 



REVISED LAWS OF BRIDGE 

called (Laws 82, 91 and 100) fail to play as di- 
rected, or if, when called on to lead one suit, lead 
another, having in his hand one or more cards 
of the suit demanded (Law 'yd), or if called upon 
to win or lose a trick, fail to do so when he can 
(Laws 73, 82, and 100), he is liable to the penalty 
for revoke, unless such play be corrected before 
the trick is turned and quitted. 

LEADS OUT OF TURN 

'j^. If either of the dealer's adversaries lead 
out of turn, the dealer may either call the card 
erroneously led, or may call a suit when it is 
next the turn of either adversary to lead. 

yy. If the dealer lead out of turn, either 
from his own hand or from dummy, he incurs 
no penalty ; but he may not rectify the error after 
the second hand has played. 

78. If any player lead out of turn and the 
other three follow him, the trick is complete and 
the error cannot be rectified ; but if only the sec- 
ond, or second and third play to the false lead, 
their cards may be taken back ; there is no pen- 
alty against any one except the original offender, 
181 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

who, if he be one of the dealer's adversaries, may 
be penalized as provided in Law 76. 

79. In no case can a player be compelled to 
play a card which would oblige him to revoke. 

80. The call of an exposed card may be re- 
peated at every trick until such card has been 
played. 

81. If a player called on to lead a suit have 
none of it, the penalty is paid. 

CARDS PLAYED IN ERROR 

82. Should the fourth hand (not being 
dummy or dealer) play before the second has 
played to the trick, the latter may be called upon 
to play his highest or lowest card of the suit 
played, or to win or lose the trick. 

83. If any one, not being dummy, omit play- 
ing to a former trick and such error be not cor- 
rected until he has played to the next, the ad- 
versaries may claim a new deal; should they 
decide that the deal stands good, the surplus card 
at the end of the hand is considered to have been 
played to the imperfect trick, but does not con- 
stitute a revoke therein. 

182 



REVISED LAWS OF BRIDGE 

84. If any one (except dummy) play two 
cards to the same trick and the mistake be not 
corrected, he is answerable for any consequent 
revokes he may have made. If during the play 
of the hand the error be detected, the tricks may 
be counted face downward, in order to ascertain 
whether there be among them a card too many ; 
should this be the case, the trick which contains 
a surplus card may be examined and the card 
restored to its original holder, who (not being 
dummy) shall be liable for any revoke he may 
meanwhile have made. 

THE REVOKE 

85. Should a player (other than dummy) 
holding one or more cards of the suit led, play 
a card of a different suit, he revokes. The pen- 
alty for a revoke takes precedence of all other 
counts. 

86. Three tricks taken from the revoking 
player and added to those of the adversaries 
shall be the penalty for a revoke. 

87. The penalty is applicable only to the 
score of the game in which it occurs. 

183 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

88. Under no circumstances can the revok- 
ing side score game, slam or little slam, that 
hand. Whatever their previous score may have 
been, the side revoking cannot attain a higher 
score toward game than twenty-eight. 

89. A revoke is established if the trick in 
which it occurs be turned and quitted, i. e., the 
hand removed from the trick after it has been 
gathered and placed face downward on the table 
or if either the revoking player or his partner, 
whether in his right turn or otherwise, lead or 
play to the following trick. 

90. A player may ask his partner if he has 
no card of the suit which he has renounced; 
should the question be asked before the trick is 
turned and quitted, subsequent turning and quit- 
ting does not establish a revoke, and the error 
may be corrected unless the question be answered 
in the negative or unless the revoking player or 
his partner has led or played to the following 
trick. 

91. If a player correct his mistake in time 
to save a revoke, any player or players who have 
followed him may withdraw their cards and sub- 

184 



REVISED LAWS OF BRIDGE 

stitute others, and the cards so withdrawn are 
not exposed cards. If the player in fault be one 
of the dealer's adversaries, the card played in 
error is an exposed card, and the dealer can call 
it whenever he pleases; or he may require the 
ofifender to play his highest or lowest card of the 
suit to the trick in which he has renounced; 
but this penalty cannot be exacted from the 
dealer. 

92. At the end of a hand the claimants of a 
revoke may search all the tricks. If the cards 
have been mixed the claim may be urged and 
proved, if possible ; but no proof is necessary, and 
the revoke is established, if, after it has been 
claimed, the accused player or his partner mix 
the cards before they have been sufficiently ex- 
amined by the adversaries. 

93. A revoke must be claimed before the 
cards have been cut for the following deal. 

94. Should the players on both sides subject 
themselves to the revoke penalty, neither can win 
the game by that hand. 

95. The revoke penalty may be claimed for 
as many revokes as occur during a hand ; but in 

185 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

no event can more than thirteen tricks be scored 
in any one hand. (See Law 7.) 

GENERAL RULES 

96. There should not be any consultation be- 
tween partners as to the enforcement of penal- 
ties. If they do so consult, the penalty is paid. 

97. Once a trick is complete, turned, and 
quitted, it must not be looked at (except under 
Law 84), until the end of the hand. 

98. Any player during the play of a trick or 
after the four cards are played and before they 
are touched for the purpose of gathering them 
together, may demand that the cards be placed 
before their respective players. 

99. If either of the dealer's adversaries, prior 
to his partner's playing, should call attention to 
the trick, either by saying it is his, or, without 
being requested so to do, by naming his card or 
drawing it toward him, the dealer may require 
that opponent's partner to play his highest or 
lowest card of the suit led, or to win or lose the 
trick. 

100. Should either of the dealer's adver- 

186 



REVISED LAWS OF BRIDGE 

saries, during the play of a hand, make any un- 
authorized reference to any incident of the play, 
or should he call his partner's attention to the 
fact that he is about to play or lead out of turn, 
the dealer may call a suit from the adversary 
whose turn it is next to lead. 

loi. In all cases v/here a penalty has been 
incurred, the offender is bound to give reason- 
able time for the decision of his adversaries ; but 
if a wrong penalty be demanded, none can be 
enforced. 

102. Where the dealer or his partner has in- 
curred a penalty, one of his adversaries may say 
" Partner, will you exact the penalty, or shall I ? " 
But whether this is said or not, if either adver- 
sary name the penalty, his decision is final. 

NEW CARDS 

103. Unless a pack be imperfect, no player 
shall have the right to call for one new pack. If 
fresh cards are demanded, two packs must be 
furnished and paid for by the player who has 
demanded them. If they are furnished during 
a rubber, the adversaries shall have their choice 

187 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

of the new cards. If it is the beginning of a 
new rubber, the dealer, whether he or one of his 
adversaries be the party caUing for the new 
cards, shall have the choice. New cards must 
be called for before the pack be cut for a new 
deal. 

104. A card or cards torn or marked must 
be replaced by agreement or new cards fur- 
nished. 

BYSTANDERS 

105. While a bystander, by agreement among 
the players, may decide any question, yet he 
must on no account say anything unless appealed 
to; and if he make any remark which calls at- 
tention to an oversight affecting the score, or to 
the exaction of a penalty, he is liable to be called 
on by the players to pay the stakes on that 
rubber. 



188 



ETIQUETTE OF BRIDGE 

There is perhaps no game in which slight in- 
timations can convey so much information as at 
Bridge. There is no way of punishing the in- 
fractors of the following rules, save by refusing 
to play with them. A code is compiled for the 
purpose of succinctly stating laws and for the 
purpose of meting out proportionate punishment 
to the offenders. To offend against one of the 
rules of etiquette is far more serious than to 
offend against any law in the code; for, while 
in the latter case the offender is sure of punish- 
ment, in the former the offended parties have no 
redress other than refusal to continue to play 
with the offender. 

RULE 

Rule i. Declarations should be made in a 
simple manner, thus: "Hearts," "No-trump," or 
when passing the option, " Make it, partner." 

2. There should be no undue hesitancy in 
189 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

passing to partner, as such hesitation might in- 
fluence the make. 

3. As the score should always be left on the 
table, it is presumed that every player knows its 
state; therefore, after the cards are dealt, the 
dealer in passing the declaration should not say 
anything to his partner concerning the state of 
the game. Nor should either of the dealer's ad- 
versaries say anything regarding the score. 

4. A player who has the right to double, if 
he intend passing the option to his partner^ 
should not indicate any doubt or perplexity in 
regard to exercising such right. 

5. No player should give any indication by 
word or gesture as to the nature of his hand, or 
as to his pleasure or displeasure at a certain 
play. 

6. If a player demand that the cards be 
placed, he should do so for his own information 
and not in order to call his partner's attention 
to any card or play. 

7. No player, other than the dealer, should 
lead until the preceding trick is turned and quit- 
ted, nor after having led a winning card should 

190 



ETIQUETTE OF BRIDGE 

he draw another from his hand before his part- 
ner has played to the current trick. 

8. No player should play a card with such 
emphasis as to draw particular attention to it. 
Nor should he detach one card from his hand 
and subsequently play another. 

9. It is unfair to revoke purposely; having 
made a revoke, a player is not justified in making 
a second to conceal the first. 

10. Players should avoid discussion and re- 
frain from talking during the play, as it may be 
annoying to players at the table or perhaps to 
those at other tables in the room. 

11. A player having been cut out of one 
table should not seek admission into another 
table unless willing to cut for the privilege of 
entry ; this, of course, does not apply to a person 
who has come from a table which has been 
broken up. 

12. The dealer's partner should not look over 
either adversary's hand nor leave his seat for the 
purpose of watching his partner's play. Neither 
should he call attention to the score nor to any 
card or cards that he or the other players hold. 

191 



DECISIONS BY THE CARD COMMITTEE 

SPADE CONVENTION 

1. Where players agree " not to play spades," 
the rule is that if the spade make is not doubled, 
the hand shall be played where either side is 20 
or over. 

2. If the third hand player ask " Shall I 
play ? " or should he lead out of turn, or should 
the eldest hand lead without asking permission 
to play, the spade maker may take two on the 
score or may call a lead, and require the hand to 
be played out. 

3. Should the third hand player double be- 
fore his partner asks permission to play, the 
spade maker may decide whether the double shall 
stand or not, but the hand must be played out. 

LOOKING AT LAST TRICK 

The dealer in the course of the play claims the 
right to see the last trick, which has been turned 
192 



CARD COMMITTEE DECISIONS 

and quitted, in order to establish his claim that 
it is a lead out of turn. Eldest hand objects, 
quoting Rule 98. 

DECISION 

The dealer may look at the trick. An errone- 
ous claim has been made by one side and, for 
the protection of the players not in fault, the 
trick may be seen. 

LEADS OUT OF TURN 

The dealer leads from the dummy and each 
player follows suit, the trick being won by the 
dealer. Before the cards are gathered the dealer 
plays another card from dummy to the four al- 
ready on the table and proceeds to gather in the 
five cards. The eldest hand claims that the dealer 
has led out of turn. The dealer states that he 
believed he had not played to the trick from 
dummy and therefore played the card. 

DECISION 

The dealer has not led out of turn. His word 
must be taken as correctly representing the fact 

193 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

that he played a second time to one trick. (Com- 
pare Drayton Whist Decisions, Case 26; Caven- 
dish, Case II.) 

LAW 66 
If the dealer touch more than one card at the 
same time in the dummy hand, he may play 
which one he chooses. 



194 



ILLUSTRATED HANDS 

The following hands, which have occurred in 
actual play, will perhaps serve the more fully 
to impress the student with the importance of 
correct and sound play. Their careful perusal 
will, it is hoped, prove both pleasurable and 
profitable. 

To receive the full benefit, the cards in each 
case should be properly dealt and the various 
plays carefully noted and observed. In each 
hand Z represents the dealer, A the leader, Y 
dummy, and B pone. 

HAND NO. I 

Leading from longest suit and shifting the 
lead. 

Score: YZ 6; AB 12. 

Z the dealer declares " no trumps," 

Trick 2 : To all appearances both clubs and 
spades are fully established, Z, however, leads 
195 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

spades rather than clubs, as it is the longer suit. 
Dummy puts up king as no finesse is ventured 
when the two hands contain as many as nine 
cards of a suit including both ace and king. 
(See page 144.) 

Trick 3: B having no spades, guarded queen 
IS with A. The dealer, therefore, regains the 
lead with club ace, and at trick 4 continues the 
spade through the queen. Note the difference 
had Z exhausted clubs before leading spades. 

YZ make a grand slam. 



196 



ILLUSTRATED HANDS 





S— / 


VND NO. 


1 
1,3 








^, K, 10, 8, ^ 






C— ( 


:i, 10, 9, 7, 3 










D— 












H— - 


4,3 


S- 






S-Q, 9, 7 


Y 




C-6,5 




A B 


C- 


-J,2 




D— 10, 6, 5 




D- 


-K, Q, 9, 


8,4,3,2 


H-Q, J, 8, 


5.2 

S-J 
C— i 


Z 


H- 


-K, 10, 7, 


6 




,6,5,2 
^, K, 8, 4 






D~. 


^J,7 










H— . 


A, 9 








Trick 


A 


Y 




B 


Z 


1 
2 


5 h 

7 s 


3 h 
K s 




K h 

2 d 


A h 
2 s 


3 

4 

"5 

6 


5 c 
9 s 
Qs 

6 c 


3 c 
3 s 
A s 
10 s 




2 c 

3 d 
6 h 
Jc 


A c 

5 s 

6 s 


7 


5 d 


8 s 




7 h 


9 h 


8 
9 


6 d 
10 d 


4 s 
7c 




4 d 
8 d 


7 d 
K c 


10 


2 h 


4 h 




9 d 


A d 


11 


8 h 


9 c 




10 h 


4 c 


12 
13 


J h 
Qh 


10 c 
Qc 




Qd 
K d 


8 c 
Jd 



197 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

HAND NO. 2 

Trumping with higher trump than necessary 
to put partner in with lower one for his es- 
tablished diamonds. 

Score: YZ 12; AB o. 

Z declares hearts. 

Trick 7; Up to this point the play is quite 
conventional. If at this trick the dealer makes 
the mistake of trumping with his lowest trump, 
he renders himself unable to put dummy in and 
diamonds fail to make. He must trump with 
the seven and lead the three. 

YZ win four odds. 



198 



ILLUSTRATED HANDS 



HAND NO. 2 









S 


—5, 4, 2 














c 


-8, 4, 2 














D-Q, J, 10, < 


S 








Q,L 


10,9 


I 


I-A, 5, 4 


S- 


-7 




S— K, 


Y 




C-J, 


10 






A B 


c 


-A, K, 


Q, 9, 6, 5 


D-9, 


4,3, 


2 






D 


-A, 8, 


7,5 


H-J, 


6 




S 


Z 


H 


-Q, 9 






-A, 8, 6, 3 










c 


:-7,3 














r 


)~K 














I 


I— K, 10, 8, 


7,. 


5,2 




Trick 


A 




Y 




B 


Z 


1 




K s 




2 s 




7s 


A s 


2 




6 h 




Ah 




9h 


2 h 


3 




Jh 




5 h 




Qh 


Kh 


4 




2 d 




6 d 




Ad 


Kd 


5 




10 c 




2 c 




Kc 


3 c 


6 




Jc 




4 c 




Qc 


7 c 


7 




3 d 




8 c 




Ac 


7 h 


8 




4 d 




4 h 




5 c 


3 h 


9 




9d 




Qd 




5 d 


3 s 


10 




9 s 




Jd 




7 d 


6 s 


n 




10 s 




10 d 




8 d 


8 s 


12 




J s 




4 s 




6 c 


8 h 


13 




Qs 




5 s 
199 




9 c 


10 h 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

HAND NO. 3 

Inviting a ruff. Leading through. 

Score: YZ i8; AB 12. 

Z declares hearts. 

Tricks I and 2 : A leads ace, then king clubs, 
inviting a ruff. (Page y^i-) 

Trick 3 : A leads through guarded king in 
dummy's hand. 

Trick 4: B returns a club that A may ruff 
and continue diamond lead through king. 

Trick 7: B leads another club hoping that A 
may overtrump the dealer. 

YZ win one odd. 



200 



ILLUSTRATED HANDS 



HAND NO. 3 







S- 


-Q, J. 10 










( 


C- 


-Q, 10, 5, 


2 










D- 


-K, 5, 4 










2 


H- 


-8, 7, 2 


S- 


-9, 8, 3 




S-7, 6, 5, 4, 




Y 




C— A, K 




A R 


c- 


-9, 8, 7, 6 




D— 10, 9, 6 




y-. r^ 


A. A^ 


D- 


-A, Q, J 




H-9, 4, 3 






z 


H- 


-J, 6, 5 






s- 


-A, K 








c- 


-J, 4, 3 












D- 


-8, 7, 3, 2 












H- 


-A, K, Q 


,10 






Trick 


A 




Y 




B 


2 


1 


Ac 




2c 




6c 


3c 


2 


Kc 




5c 




7c 


4c 


3 


10 d 




4d 




Jd 


2d 


4 


3h 




10 c 




8c 


Jc 


5 


9d 




5d 




Qd 


3d 


6 


6d 




Kd 




Ad 


7d 


7 


2s 




Qc 




9c 


10 h 


8 


4h 




2h 




5h 


Ah 


9 


9h 




7h 




6h 


Kh 


10 


4s 




8h 




Jh 


Qh 


11 


5s 




10 s 




3s 


8d 


12 


6s 




Js 




8s 


As 


13 


7s 




Qs 

201 




9s 


Ks 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

HAND NO. 4 

Unblocking. 

Rubber game. Score: Love all. Z declares 
" no trumps." 

A leads king clubs proclaiming exceptional 
strength in the suit. B, holding three clubs in- 
cluding an honor, plays middle card to first 
round, and best to second, thus enabling A to 
retain the lead and bring in his clubs. (See 
page no.) Note difference in result if B plays 
smallest card to first round. 

YZ lose one odd trick. 



202 



ILLUSTRATED HANDS 



HAND NO, 4 







S— 8, -1 


,6 


'. 








C- 


-3 












D- 


-K, 


Q, 10, 8, 


7,4 








H- 


-Q, 


8,3 


S-Q, J, 




S— 3 




Y 


10, 9, 7 


C-A, 


K, 8, 


7,6,5,4 


A 


R 


C-J, 9, 


2 


D— 6, 


5,2 






x> 


D-J 




H— 10, 


7 


S— 




z 


H-J, 9, 


4,2 




A, 


K,5,2 








c- 


-Q, 10 










D- 


-A, 


9,3 










H- 


-A, 


K,6,5 






Trick 




A 




Y 


fi 


Z 


1 




K c 




3c 


9c 


10 c 


2 




Ac 




4s 


Jc 


Qc 


3 




8c 




6s 


2c 


3d 


4 




7c 




8s 


7s 


2s 


5 




6c 




3h 


Jd 


5s 


6 




5c 




4d 


2k 


5h 


7 




4c 




7d 


4h 


6h 


8 




3s 




8d 


9s 


As 


9 




2d 




10 d 


10 s 


Ks 


10 




7h 




8h 


9h 


Ah 


11 




10 h 




Qh 


Jh 


Kh 


12 




5d 




Qd 


Js 


Ad 


13 




6d 




Kd 


Qs 


9d 



203 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

HAND NO. 5 

Making an entry card. 

Score : Love all. Z declares " no trumps." 

Trick I : As Z will be unable to put dummy 
in with a spade, unless the spade suit becomes 
established in two rounds, dummy, it is evident, 
will need an entry besides king hearts. Z, there- 
fore, overtakes dummy's queen ' diamonds with 
ace diamonds, making an entry of king. (See 
page 140.) 

Trick 4: Z puts dummy in with king hearts. 

Trick 5 : Dummy leads for queen spades. 

Trick 6: Z recovers lead with ace clubs, at 
trick 7 puts dummy in with king diamonds and 
brings in the spades. 

Trick 1 1 : The game is won, and Z in the 
hope of making a little slam, finesses ten hearts, 
though finesse is against player with long 
diamonds. 

YZ make little slam. 



204 



ILLUSTRATED HANDS 



HAND NO. 5 









S— J, 9, 6, 5, 3, 
C— 8, 2 


2 














D- 


-K, 


Q 












8 




H- 


-K 


7,4 


S- 


-Q,7, 


4 




S— 10, 




Y 




C-K, 
D-J, 


10 
9,8, 


7, 5,3 




A 


B 


c- 

D- 


-Q,J, 

-10,6 


6, 

4 


3 


H-6, 


5.2 




S— 




Z 


H- 


~Q, 9, 


8, 






A, 


K 










c- 


A, 


9,7,5,4 
















D- 


-A, 


2 
















H- 


-A, 


J, 10, 3 










Trick 




A 






Y 




B 




Z 


1 




7d 






Qd 




4d 




Ad 


2 
3 




8s 
10 s 






2s 
3s 




4s 
7s 




As 
Ks 


4 
5 
6 

7 
8 




2h 
5h 
10 c 
3d 
6h 






Kh 
5s 
2c 
K d 
Js 




8h 
Qs 
3c 
6d 
6c 




3h 
4c 
Ac 

2d 
5c 


9 
10 




5d 
8d 






9s 
6s 




Jc 
Qc 




7c 
9c 


11 
12 
13 




9d 
Jd 
Kc 






7h 
4h 
8c 
205 




9h 

Qh 

10 d 




10 h 
Ah 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

HAND NO. 6 

Giving weak hand a ruff and trumping with 
high trump to avoid blocking the trump suit. 

First game. Score : YZ 12. AB o. Z passes. 
Y declares diamonds. 

Trick I : Dummy takes king hearts with ace 
and leads small heart for dealer to ruff. (Page 

136.) 

Trick 4: High diamonds in the two hands 
are of the same value. The dealer, therefore, 
trumps with ace rather than queen, in order not 
to block the trump suit. Correct play gains 
two tricks. 

YZ make grand slam. 



ao6 





ILLUSTRATED 


HANDS 










HAND NO. 


6 












S-Q, 


3 














C- 


5, 


2 














D- 


-K 


J, 10, 5, 


2 








8,2 




H- 


-A, 


6.3,2 


S- 


-J, 9, 7 




S— 10, 




Y 




C— 10, 


9,3 






A R 


c- 


-A, K, Q, J 




D-9, 


3 










D- 


-8, 7, 4 




H— K, 


Q, 9, 


7,6 


S— 




Z 




-J, 10, 4 






A, 


K, 6, 5, ^ 










c- 


-8, 


7,6,4 














D- 


-A 


.Q, 6 














H- 


-8 










Trick 




A 






Y 




B 


Z 


1 




Kh 






Ah 




4h 


8h 


2 




5h 






2h 




10 h 


6d 


3 




2s 






Qs 




7 s 


4s 


4 




7h 






3h 




Jh 


Ad 


5 




3d 






Kd 




4d 


Qd 


6 




9d 






10 d 




7d 


4c 


7 




3c 






Jd 




8d 


6c 


8 




8s 






Ys 




9s 


Ks 


9 




10 s 






2c 




Js 


As 


10 




9h 






5c 




Jc 


6s 


11 




9c 






6h 




Qc 


5s 


12 




10 c 






2d 




Kc 


8c 


13 




Qh 




5d 




Ac 


7c 












207 









BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

HAND NO. 7 

Finessing. 

Score: YZ 12; AB o. Z passes. Y declares 
clubs. 

Trick 2: Z takes the trick in his own hand 
rather than dummy's, both in order to kill what 
high card of the suit may be with B, and that he 
may lead the jack of clubs from his own hand 
towards the ace, queen in dummy's. If king 
clubs is with A, it may thus be killed. If with 
B, no play will prevent its making unless it 
happens to be a singleton. (See page 139.) 
(A's better play would be king of clubs. This 
would force the ace, and, in the event of 10 being 
with B twice guarded, eventually make it good.) 

Trick 7: Y with spades king, ten, etc., in his 
own hand, and ace, jack, etc., with the dealer, 
leads ten towards the ace and passes. Had 
there been nine cards of the suit in the two 
hands, the finesse would not be advisable. 

YZ little slam. 



208 



ILLUSTRATED HANDS 







H 

S— 


A> 
K, 


JD NO 


7 
4 








10, 9. 6, 








c- 


■A, 


Q, 6, 3, : 


2 










D- 


-Q, 


5,2 












H- 




— 


S- 


-Q, 7, 5 




S— 8, 3 




Y 




C— K, 7, 4 






A 


B 


c- 


-9,8 




D— A, 10, 9, 


7,4 




D- 


-J, 8 




H-9, 5, 2 




S— 




Z 


H- 


-A, K, 


Q, J, 4, 3 




A, 


L2 








c- 


J. 


10,5 












D- 


-K, 


6,3 












H- 


-10 


8,7,6 








Trick 


A 






Y 




B 


Z 


1 


Ad 






2d 




8d 


3d 


2 


7d 






5d 




Jd 


K d 


3 


4c 






2c 




8c 


Jc 


4 


7c 






3c 




9c 


10 c 


5 


Kc 






Ac 




3h 


5c 


6 


4d 






Qd 




4h 


6d 


7 


3s 






10 s 




5 s 


2s 


8 


8s 






4s 




7s 


Js 


9 


2h 






6s 




Qs 


As 


10 


5h 






6c 




Jh 


6h 


11 


9d 






9s 




Qh 


7h 


12 


10 d 






Ks 




Kh 


8h 


13 


9h 






Qc 




Ah 


10 h 



209 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

HAND NO. 8 

Eleven rule. 

Rubber game. Score: Love all. Z declares 
"no trumps." 

Trick I : Applying the Eleven Rule, Z reads 
five cards higher than the six out against the 
leader. Z has one of them, dummy three, and 
one, therefore, must be with B. Z takes the 
trick in his own hand, both in order to capture 
B's high card, and that he may continue the 
lead through the strong. 

Trick 2: A is unfortunately placed. What- 
ever he plays dummy holds directly over him. 
All the high spades remaining, being distributed 
between A and Y, Y takes second trick with 
eight of spades. 

Trick 3 : The dealer throws the lead again in 
his own hand that at trick 4 he may lead 
another round of spades through the strong. Y 
takes the trick with ten spades, and at trick 5 
leads ace. YZ make every spade count. The 
rest of the play is simple. 

YZ grand slam. 

210 



ILLUSTRATED HANDS 



HAND NO. 8 







S— A, 10, 8, 4 














C- 


-10, 3 














D- 


-A, 9, 5 












3 


H- 


-A, 9, 6, 3 


S- 


-Q 






S-J, % 7, 6, 


Y 




C-K, 9, 7 
D-J, 8, 4 






A B 


c- 

D- 


-Q,J, 

-10, 6, 


8, 6, 4, 2 

2 


H— 8, 2 




S— 


Z 


H- 


-J, 10, 


7 






K,5,2 








C- 


-A, 5 














D- 


-K, Q, 7, 3 














H- 


-K, Q, 5, 4 










Trick 


A 




Y 




B 




Z 


1 
2 
3 
4 


6s 
3s 
4d 
7s 




4s 

8s 

5d 

10 s 




Qs 

2c 
2d 
6d 




Ks 

5 s 
Kd 
2 s 


5 
6 

7 


9s 
8d 
Jd 




As 
Ad 
9d 




10 d 
4c 
7h 




5c 
3d 
Qd 


8 
9 


2h 

7c 




3c 
10 c 




6c 

8c 




7d 
Ac 


10 
11 
12 
13 


8h 
9c 
Js 
Kc 




Ah 
3h 
6h 
9h 




10 h 

Jc 
Qc 




4h 
Qh 
K h 
5h 



211 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

HAND NO. 9 

Echo, or calling for a ruff. 

Score: YZ i8; AB 6. Z declares diamonds. 

Tricks i and 2: B, having but two hearts, 
makes the echo, that is, plays first the higher 
and then the lower, indicating that he can 
trump the third round. (See page iii.) But 
for this play A would be unwise to lead a third 
round of hearts with heart command and an es- 
tablished suit in the exposed hand. The dealer 
undoubtedly would at once lead trumps and 
bring in the suit. 

Trick 4 : B leads up to weakness in dummy. 

Trick 7: A leads a fourth round of hearts, 
hoping B can overtrump dummy. 

YZ lose the odd trick. 



212 



ILLUSTRATED HANDS 



HAND NO. 9 





S— 
C- 
D- 
H- 


9,5,4 
-A, K, Q, 10 
-7,2 
-Q, J, 10 


,9 


S-A, Q, J, 6 
C— 8, 2 
D-9, 8, 5 
H— A, K, 5, 4 


Y 

A B 

Z 


S— 10, 8, 7 
C-7, 6, 5, 4, 3 
D-J, 6, 4 
H— 7, 6 



Trick 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 
10 
11 
12 
13 



A 

Ah 
Kh 
4h 
6s 



As 
5h 
2c 
5d 
8d 
9d 
8c 
Qs 



S— K, 3, 2 

C-J 

D-A, K, Q, 

H— 9, 8, 3, 2 
Y 
10 h 
Jh 
Qh 
4s 
5s 
9s 
7d 
9c 
2d 
10 c 
Qc 
Kc 
Ac 
213 



10,3 



B 

7h 

6h 

4d 

10 s 

8s 

7s 

Jd 
3c 
6d 
4c 
5c 
6c 
7c 



Z 

2h 

3h 

8h 

2s 

3s 

Ks 

9h 

i£- 

A d 

Kd 

Qd 

10 d 

3d 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

HAND NO. 10 

Taking out dummy's re-entry, and holding up 
command of adverse suit. 

Rubber game. Score: YZ 6; AB 24. Z de- 
clares " no trumps." 

Trick 2 : It is the usual rule at " no trimips " 
at once to return partner's suit unless having an 
established suit of your own. However, when 
dummy holds a long though unestablished suit 
and a singleton ace (his only outside re-entry), 
it is often well at once to deprive him of re- 
entry. In this case B's play is especially good 
as he holds the command of dummy's suit twice 
guarded. B's play saves the game and rubber. 

Dealer wins the odd trick. 



214 



ILLUSTRATED HANDS 



HAND NO. 10 







S— f 


, 


4,3,2 












c— 


K, Q, 10, 9, 


5,3 










D— 


A 












10,9, 


H- 

7 


6, 


5 


S~Q,6 






S— K, 




Y 




C— 7 






A R 


C-A, 6, 


4 




D-Q, 


6,2 








D— 10, 8, 


7, 


5,4 


H-Q, 


10,8 


,7,3 

S—2 




Z 


H-A, 9, 


2 






^, 


J>8 








C— 


J, 


8,2 












D— 


K 


, J, 9, 3 












H— 


K 


,L4 








Trick 




A 




Y 


B 




Z 


1 




7 h 




5 h 


A h 




4h 


2 




2 d 




A d 


5d 




3 d 


3 




7 c 




3 c 


4 c 




Jc 


4 




7 s 




5 c 


6 c 




8 c 


5 




9 s 




9 c 


A c 




2 c 


6 




Qh 




6 h 


9 h 




Jh 


7 




10 h 




2 s 


2 h 




K h 


8 




6 d 




3 s 


4 d 




K d 


9 




Qd 




4 s 


7 d 




Jd 


10 




8h 




5 s 


6 s 




8 s 


11 




3 h 




10 c 


Qs 




9 d 


12 




10 s 




Qc 


8 d 




Js 


13 




K s 




K c 


10 d 




As 



215 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

HAND NO. II 

Deschapelles' Coup. 

Score : Love all. Z declares " no trumps." 

Trick 4 : Z, having no club with which to put 
dummy in, leads king spades, essaying Descha- 
pelles' Coup. (Page 157.) B refuses to put up 
ace. 

Trick 5: Z continues spade suit. He cannot 
afford, however, to give up dummy's queen. 
The only hope depends upon spade ace falling 
to this round. As B played jack spades to the 
first round there is almost a certainty that it will. 

Trick 6: Z recovers lead with king hearts, at 
trick 7 puts dummy in with queen spades and 
dummy makes his four remaining clubs. 

YZ win five odds. 



216 



ILLUSTRATED HANDS 









HAND NO. 


11 










s— 


Q,4,3 












c- 


-J, 10, 8, 7, 6, 4 










D- 


-J, 3 








8,6, 


2 


H- 


-8,2 


S-A,J 




S— 10, 


Y 




C-Q, 


2 






A B 


C-9, 5, 3 




D-Q 










D-A, 9, 7, 


5,4,2 


H-J, 


10,7, 


6,5,2 


s— 


Z 


H-Q,9 






K, 9, 7, 5 










c- 


-A, K 












D- 


-K, 10, 8, 6 












H- 


-A, K, 4 






Trick 




A 




Y 


B 


Z 


1 




6 h 




2 h 


Qh 


Ah 


2 




2 c 




4 c 


3 c 


Ac 


3 




Qc 




6 c 


5 c 


Kc 


4 




2 s 




3 s 


Js 


Ks 


5 




10 s 




4 s 


As 


9 s 


6 




3 h 




8 h 


9 h 


Kh 


7 




6 s 




Qs 


2 d 


5 s 


8 




5 h 




J c 


9 c 


4 h 


9 




7 h 




10 c 


4 d 


7 s 


10 




10 h 




8 c 


5 d 


6 d 


11 




Jh 




7 c 


7 d 


8 d 


12 




Qd 




3d 


A d 


10 d 


13 




8 s 




Jd 

217 


9 d 


- K d 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 
HAND NO. 12 

Holding up command of opponent's suit and 
placing the lead. 

Score: Love all. Dealer declares hearts. 

Tricks 6 and 7: B rightly refuses to give up 
command of dummy's suit. He reads that an- 
other round will exhaust the dealer and so, 
dummy having no re-entry, the suit will fail to 
make. 

Trick 9 : B counts the dealer's hand : 2 trumps 
and 3 spades. He therefore leads diamond, forc- 
ing a trump, and compelling a lead up to his 
tenace in spades. 

YZ win two odds, 



218 



ILLUSTRATED HANDS 



HAND NO. 12 









5-9, 5, 2 










C- 


-K, 9, 8, 6 


,5 








] 


D- 


-10, 8, 3 








7, 


] 
3 


H- 


-Q, 6 


S-A, Q, J 




S-IO, 8, 




Y 




C-7,4 






A ^ 


C— A, 10, 3 




D-J, 9, 


7, 


6. 






D-A, K, Q, 


5,2 


H-J, 9, 


7^ 


1 




Z 


H— 8, 4 






5— K, 6, 4 








( 


C- 


-Q, J, 2 










] 


D— 4 










] 


a- 


-A, K, 10 


, 5, 3, 2 




Trick 




A 




Y 


B 


Z 


1 
2 




6 d 

7 d 




3 d 
8 d 


Qd 

Ad 


4 d 

2 h 


3 




7 h 




Qh 


4 h 


3 h 


4 

5 
6 

7 




9 h 
Jh 
4 c 

7 c 




6 h 
10 d 

5 c 

6 c 


8 h 

2 d 

3 c 
10 c 


K h 
A h 
Qc 
Jc 


8 




9 d 




8 c 


A c 


2 c 


9 
10 
11 




Jd 

10 s 

3 s 




2 s 
5 s 
9 s 


K d 

5 d 


5 h 
4 s 
10 h 


12 
13 




7 s 

8 s 




9 c 
K c 


Qs 

As 


6 s 
K s 



219 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

HAND NO. 13 

Making an entry card and finessing. 

Rubber game. Score. YZ o ; AB 28. 

Z declares " no trumps." 

Trick I : To save the game should be simple, 
but to win the game will doubtless depend upon 
finding the king of clubs with B. As clubs should 
be led from dummy, and as it will probably be 
necessary that the lead should come twice from 
the dummy hand, Z makes a re-entry in dummy's 
hand by playing a high heart to the ace already 
played. He plays king rather than queen to de- 
ceive B as to the location of queen. 

Trick 2 : Z plays small heart and dummy se- 
cures the lead with jack. 

Trick 3: Dummy leads small club, Z plays 
jack, finessing against the king, and at trick 4, 
throws the lead to dummy with king spades. 

Trick 5: Z plays queen clubs and at trick 6 
leads ace clubs knowing king must fall. 

YZ win three by cards and rubber. 



220 



ILLUSTRATED HANDS 



HAND NO. 13 







S— 


K, 


9,7,5 












C-6, 


5.2 












D- 


-8, 


4,3,2 












H- 


-J> 


10 


S-Q, 10, 


4. 




S-L8 




Y 


3,2 


C— 10, 9 






A ^ 


C-K, 8, 


4 




D-A, J, 


10, 6 




TZ 




D— K, 5 






H-9, 8, 


7.6,5 


S— 




Z 


H-A, 3, 


4 






A, 


6 








c- 


-A, 


Q, J. 7, 3 










D- 


-Q, 


9,7, 












H- 


-K 


Q,2 








Trick 


A 






Y 


B 




Z 


1 
2 
3 


6h 
5h 
9c 






10 h 
Jh 
6c 


Ah 
4h 
4c 




Kh 
2h 
Jc 


4 


8s 






Ks 


2s 




6 s 


5 


10 c 






5c 


8c 




Qc 


6 


6d 






2c 


Kc 




Ac 


7 
8 


10 d 
Js 






2d 
3d 


3s 
4s 




7c 
3c 


9 


Jd 






5s 


10 s 




As 


10 


7h 






4d 


3h 




Qh 


11 
12 


Ad 
8h 


- 




8d 

7s 


5d 
Qs 




7d 
9d 


13 


9h 


- 




9s 

221 


Kd 




Qd 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

HAND NO. 14 

Unblocking. 

Score: Love all. Z declares "no trumps/' 

Trick I : Queen lead at " no trumps " indicates 
exceptional strength, and commands one's part- 
ner, if holding king and one other only, at once 
to put up the king. (See page 109.) Note the 
difference should B not play king to first round. 

YZ lose two odd tricks. 



HAND NO. 15 

Holding up command of long suit. Discard, 
etc. 

Rubber game. Score: YZ o; AB 20. Z 
leaves it. Y declares " no trumps." 

Trick 2 : Z cannot afford to give up the com- 
mand of diamonds. 

Trick 3: Z holds up command of clubs, in 
the hope that another round will exhaust B. Z 
222 



ILLUSTRATED HANDS 



HAND NO. 14 







S 


—8,2 










c 


:-9, 4, 2 










D-5, 3, 2 










I 


1-9, 8, 6, 3, 


2 
S— A, 10, 9, 




S-7,3 


Y 


6,5 


C-Q, J, 10, 


7,6,5 


3 


A B 


C— K, 8 




D— J, 10 








D— K, 9, 8, 


4 


H-Q, 7 




S 


Z 


H-^K, 10 






-K, Q, J, 4 








C 


:— A 










r 


)-A, Q, 7, 


6 








I 


I-A, J. 5, 4 






Trick 


A 




Y 


B 


Z 


1 


Qc 




2 c 


K c 


A c 


2 


Qh 




2 h 


10 h 


4 h 


3 


Jc 




4c 


8 c 


6 d 


4 


10 c 




9 c 


5 s 


7 d 


5 


7 c 




2 s 


4 d 


Qd 


6 


6 c 




8 s 


6 s 


4 s 


7 


5 c 




2 d 


K h 


Jh 


8 


3 c 




3 d 


8 d 


Js 


9 


7 s 




5 d 


A s 


Qs 


10 


3 s 




3 h 


10 s 


Ks 


11 


10 d 




6 h 


9 d 


Ad 


12 


7 h 




8 h 


9 s 


A h 


13 


Jd 




9 h 


K d 


5 h 



223 



BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

discards small heart rather than spades. In the 
spade suit lies his only hope of re-entry for the 
diamonds. 

Trick 5: Z again refuses to play diamond 
command. If king diamonds is with A, no play 
will prevent his bringing in his clubs. If with 
B, there is a strong probability that the diamonds 
may be brought in. 

Trick 6: B having no card of his partner's 
suit, is forced to lead up to dummy. 

Trick 7: Dummy now leads his high spades, 
hoping to make re-entry for Z's clubs. 

Trick 10 : Z gains the lead with 6 spades, and 
at tricks 11 and 12 and 13 makes his remaining 
diamonds. 

Result will be the same if Z leads spades be- 
fore leading diamonds, provided he keeps six of 
spades in his own hand for re-entry after dia- 
monds are established. 

YZ win four odd tricks. 



224 



ILLUSTRATED HANDS 



HAND NO. 15 





S— 

c- 

D- 
H- 


A, K, Q. 2 
-A, 6, 5, 3 
-10,5 
-A, 7, 3 




S-J, 10, 7 
e-Q, J, 8, 7, 2 
D— 9, 8, 3 
H-K, 10 


Y 

A B 

Z 


S— 9. 8 
C— 10, 9, 4 
D-K, Q,J 
H-Q, J, 6, 4, 2 



Trick 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 
10 
11 
12 
13 




BRIDGE ABRIDGED 

HAND NO. 1 6 

Leading through. 

Rubber game. Score YZ 6; AB 24. Z de- 
clares " no trumps." 

Trick 2: Before returning his partner's lead, 
B, holding ace, king, jack, etc., of clubs, leads 
king clubs, to induce his partner to return the 
suit later through the queen. (See page 114.) 

Trick 3: B is marked with three of hearts. 
His return of the four indicates that he is lead- 
ing back the higher of two (see page 115), and 
queen, ten, therefore, must be with dealer. 

Trick 4: To prevent queen hearts from win- 
ning, the lead of hearts must come a third time 
from B. A, therefore, puts B in with a small 
club, and at trick 7 B returns the heart, enabling 
A to make his three remaining ones. 

YZ lose three odds and the rubber. 



226 



ILLUSTRATED HANDS 
HAND NO. 16 



S— 8, 7, 6, 4 
C-Q, 8, 7 
D— Q, 10, 8, 7, 5 
H— 7 



S-J,9 


Y 


S-10, 5, 3. 2 


C— 5, 3, 2 


A B 


C-A, K, J, 6 


D-J, 4, 3 




D— 9, 6 


H-K, J, 9, 8. 2 


Z 


H-A, 4, 3 



Trick 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 
10 
11 
12 
13 



A 

8h 
2 c 
9h 
5c 
3c 
9s 
Kh 

2h 
Js 
3d 
4d 
Jd 



S— A, K, Q 
C— 10, 9, 4 
D— A, K, 2 
H— Q, 10, 6, 
Y 
7h 
7c 
4s 
8c 
Qc 
6s 
7s 
8s 
5d 
7d 
8 d 
10 d 
Qd 
227 



INDEX 



INDEX 



Abandonment of spade Cards exposed before play, 
hands, 54 178; during, play, 179 

Ace lead, rules for, declared Cards, how dealt, 7 
trump, 72; "no-trumps," Cards in sequence, 27; how 



reckoned, dealer, 146, 147; 
pone, 29, 99, 103, 109 
Cards in sequence, how 
played, non-dealers, 29, 
103, 104 

played in error, 



94, 95 . . , 

Ace lead, origmal, opposed 

by some players, 73 
Adverse suit, occasionally 

well to continue, 139 
Average hand, what consti- Cards 

tutes, 23 182 ^ 

Carrying home aces, 74 
Beginners, maxims for, 20 Chicane, 16 
Black suit makes, 53 Clubs, when declared, deal- 

Blanking an ace, 128 er, 25, 53 ; dummy, 26, 60 

"Blind lead" 70 ^ ^ Counting the cards, 7 

Bridge, as furnishing object Cross ruff, 152 

lessons in Whist, 86 Cutting, 6, 165 

Bridge for three players, Cutting out, 167 

160 
Bridge, how differing from Deal, a new, 170 



Whist, 23 
Bridge, origin of, 4 
Bridge, an intellectual game, 

5 
Bridge— What is it? 2 
Book, 14 
Bystanders, 188 



Dealer, advantages of, 32, 

36, 132 
Dealer, attitude of, 53 
Dealer, deceptive policy of, 

33, 34, 102 
Dealer, how choose suit for 

establishment, ZZ^ 138 



231 



INDEX 



Dealer, how lead in effort 
at establishment, 121, 133, 
134, 138 

Dealer's play, the, 131 



for dealer, 25, 52; dum- 
my, 26, 60 
Diamond makes, prejudice 
against original, 52 



Dealer's policy at a trump, Discard, as applying to 



33, 134, 135, 136 
Dealer's policy, 
trumps," 137 



dealer, 33, 128 
no- Discard from partner's suit, 
care required, 129 



Dealer, when abandon lead Discard upon partner's dou- 

from long suit, 139 ble, various theories re- 

Dealer, when allow weak garding, 127 

hand to ruff, 32, 135 Discard, the, 32, 123 

Decisions by card commit- Discarding as a system, 128 

TEE, 192 Discarding from strength, 

Declaration by dealer, fac- 123, 124 

tors entering therein, 35, Discarding, general hints 

36, 'SJ on, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130 

Declaration by dummy. Double chicane, 16 

how governed, 57 Double of clubs, diamonds. 

Declaration by dummy, cau- and hearts, 66 

tion required in making. Double of spades, 66 

25, 57, 58 Double of "no-trumps," 

Declarations, formula in elder, 66; younger, 66, 67 

making, 10, 11 Double to the score, 66 

Declarations, importance of Doubling as regards begin- 

fixed standards for, 22, ners, 26, 63 



40, 58 

Declarations, relative value 
of, 14, 18 

Declaring the trump, 8, 
172 

Defensive makes, disadvan- 
tages of original, 54, 55 

Defensive spade, 54 



Doubling, considerations af- 
fecting, 62 

Doubling, formula used in, 
10 

Doubling, illustration of, 9; 
limit to, 9 

Doubling player, how best 
situated, 67 



Deschapelles' Coup, 141, 157 Doubling, when advisable, 
Dl^mond makes, 50; rules 65 
232 



INDEX 



Doubling, when to avoid, 64 Forcing, importance of ju- 

DOUBLING, RE-DOUBLING, dicioUS, 32, I50 



ETC., 8, 173 

Ducking, example of, 142 
Dummy, 176 

Dummy's hand, when ex- 
posed, II 



Forcing partner, when ad- 
visable, 135, 151 

Forcing, when inadvisable, 
150 

Formation of table, 6, 166 



Dummy's hand, importance Fourchette, 99, 146, 147 
of studying, 27, 32, 84, 133 Fourth best lead declared 



Dummy, rights of, 11 
Dummy, unique position 
of, 3 

Echo, or calling for a ruff, 

30, III 
Eleven rule, 104 



trump, 
94, 95 



73 ; " no-trumps," 



Game, how many points 

constitute, 13, 22 
Game, importance of mak- 
ing on one's deal, 22, 36 
Seven rufe, a7 applying to Game, importance of saving 
dealer, 147; second play- when unable to make, 23, 
er, 99, third player, 104 ^^4, I33 
Eleven rule, negative value General rules, 186 



of, 117 
Etiquette of bridge, 183 



Finals, how obtained, 16 

Finesse, 30, 105 

Finesse, as affected by 
score, 155 

Finesse as applying to deal- 
er, 144, 145 

Finesse as applying to third 
player or pone, 30, 105, 
106 

Finesse, obligatory, 156 

Finesse, when to avoid, 33, 
-4, 144, 145, 155, 156 



Giving weak hand a ruff, 28 

Hand, estimating value of, 

67, 68 
Heart convention, 83 
Heart makes, 47; rules for 

dealer, 24, 25, 48, 49; 

dummy, 26, 60 
Holding lead till dummy is 

exposed, importance of, 

26, 70 
Holding up command of 

long suit, 84 
Holding up command oppo- 
nent's suit, 85 
Holding up command of ad- 



233 



INDEX 



verse suit, importance of. Leading from longest suit, 
92, 98, 137 . 69, 115 

Honors as influencing the Leading through, 31, 85, 87 



Leading up to weakness, 

SI, 86, 121 
Leads as affected by passed 

make, 28, 72 
Leads at a trump, rules for 

long suits, 72 
Leads at "no-trump s," 

rules for, 28, 94, 95 
Leads, elder, best at a 

trump, 26, 27, 70, 71 
Leads out of turn, 181, 
193 
King lead declared trump. Little slam, 16, 85 
73; "no-trumps," 94, 95 Long suit, 28, 72 
King, when guarded, 24 Looking at last trick, 192 

Love all, 24 
Lead at a declared trump, Love score, 24 
69 



make, 22, 25, 49 
Honors, what constitute, 

14, 15, 22 
Honors, relative values of. 

different suits, 14, 15, 18 

Illustrated hands, 19S-227 
Inviting a ruff, 79, 81 

Jack lead declared trump, 
72, 73; "no-trumps," 95 



Lead at "no-trumps," 90 

Lead of high card, "no- 
trumps," inferences from, 
109 

Lead of trumps, elder, when 
permissible, 77, 78, 79 

Lead to a double, elder, 80, 



Makes, how choose between 
"no-trumps" and a suit, 
39, 47, SI 
Makes, injunction regard- 
ing, 38 
Makes to the score, 22, 23, 
25, 39, 57, 58 
81, 82, 83; younger, 118, Making an entry card, 126, 
119 127 

Lead to re-double, 82 

Lead through strength, 31, Non-dealer's policy, de- 
85; when especially de- clared trump, 26, 69, 70, 
sirable, 87 77 ; " no-trumps," 28, 90 

Lead through strength, " No-trump " hand, con- 
when unwise, 87, 88 servative, 38 

234 



INDEX 

"No-trump" makes, 42; Queen lead at a trump, 75; 

rules for and comments, "no-trumps," 95 

23, 24, 25, 42, 43, 44 Queen, when guarded, 24 

" No-trumper," par excel- 
lence, 37 Re-doubling, "Badsworth" 
" No-trumps " to the score, on, 68 

38, 46, 47 Re-doubling, how influ- 

enced, 67, 68 
Overtaking, example of. Re-entry, ^^ 

141, 142 Re-entry, building or es- 

Overtrumping, when inad- tablishing, how done, 141, 

visable, 154 142, 157 

Re-entry, value of, 92 
Partners, harmony between Re-entry, what constitutes, 

essential, 113 142 

Partners, how selected, 6 Return lead, 113 
Passed make, inferences Return lead, " no-trumps," 

from, 57 ^ 30, 113, 114; at a trump. 

Picking up a singleton, 89, 30, 116, 117 

120 Return lead, correct card, 

Placing the lead, 78 30, ii5 

Play of the two hands, skill Reverse discard, 125 

required, 131, 132 Revised laws of Bridge, 162 

Play to the score, 23 Revoke, the, 153 

Players, advice to, 20, 21 Rights of entry, 167 
Players, how designated, 9, Robertson Rule, 43 

10 Rubber, 13; example of, 19 

Pone's play, as affected by Ruff a suit, 28 

secondary lead, 117, 118 Ruffing, 69 
Pone's play, principles gov- Running game, 70 

erning, 30, 31, 121 
Pone's play upon elder's Scoring, 13, 162 

lead of trumps, 79, 120 Secondary lead, 27, 28, 84 
Preface, vii Second hand play, 96 

Protective policies, original, Second hand play, dealer, 

"Badsworth" on, 56 145, 146, 147, 148; player 

235 



INDEX 



at dummy's right, 96, 97; 
at dummy's left, loo, loi 

Second hand play, general 
rules for, 98, 99, 100, loi 

Second lead after ace, in- 
ferences from, 73 

Second lead after fourth 
best, 76 

Second lead after king, 74, 

75 
Second lead after queen, 76 
Second lead after ten, 76 
Sequence, 27 
Short suit, 28, 72 
Short suit lead, when advis- 
able, 27, 72, 80, 81, 119, 
120 
Short suit leads, how gov- 
erned, 80, 81 
Short suit leads, correct 

card, 27, 80 
Shuffling, 168 
Singleton lead, 27; when ad- 
visable, 71, 80, 119, 120 
Slam, 16, 85 
Spade convention, 192 
Spade makes, dealer, 25, 53, 

54; dummy, 26, 61 
Specimen of score sheet, 19 
Special leads, 87, 88, 120 
Suit, when established, 28 
Suit, when brought in, 28 
Suits to avoid, 71, 74 
Suits to lead, how choose. 



elder, " no-trumps," 90, 
91 
Supporting or strengthening 
card, ic^ 

Table of points, 18 

Taking out dummy's re-en- 
try, 88 

Ten lead at a trump, y;^; 
"no-trumps," 71, 74 

Tenace suits, 71, 74; why 
avoid, 71 

Test for trump, dealer, 48; 
dummy, 60 

Third hand play, 102 

Third hand play, dealer, 
102; elder, 103; pone, 29, 
30, 105, 106 

Third hand play, how in- 
fluenced, 102 

Tierce major, 42 

Trump management, 149 

Trumps, importance of be- 
ing in control when last 
led, 152 

Trumping with high trump, 
154, 155 

Unblocking, 108 
Unblocking, dealer, 143, 144 
Unblocking, rules for, 109, 
no 

Weak suit convention, 83 



236 



STANDARD WHIST 

An exponent of the principles and rules of the modern, 
scientific game of whist, as adopted by the American 
Whist League, at the Ninth American Whist Congress 
convening at Chicago, July lo, 1899. 

By Annie Blanche Shelby 

Miss Shelby is known as one of the ablest whist 
teachers in the country. Her book, " Standard Whist," 
has attracted wide attention and meets with rapidly in- 
creasing sale. Its teachings are thoroughly sound, and 
their points well put and clearly stated. The Army and 
Navy Register, Washington, D. C, pronounces its en- 
thusiasm as "contagious," and adds that to "Whist 
players it is as caviare to a Russian." — Whist Journal, 
Milwaukee. 

Miss Shelby has attained national repute as a teacher 
of the finest of all card games, and in this new volume 
she has compressed all the precepts which, as a teacher, 
she puts into practical use. Her work called " Standard 
Whist " embraces all the principles laid down by whist 
authorities from Pole and Cavendish down to Cassius 
M. Payne. It contains no superfluous matter, and is 



put together with remarkabe directness. Within 175 
small pages the reader has everything old and new 
which can be said about whist, and, what is more to the 
purpose, all of it is sound whist, based not only upon 
theory, but upon the experiences of the best players in 
America and England. It cannot help but be a valuable 
addition to the constantly growing literature of the 
game. — Portland Oregonian. 

I have read your elegant book, " Standard Whist," 
carefully, and hasten to congratulate you upon its great 
merits from both the technical and literary point of 
view. It is concise and correct, and covers the whole 
range of whist thoroughly in such an interesting and 
practical way that all lovers of the game, and especially 
every earnest student, will welcome your good work as 
a valuable aid in acquiring a thorough knowledge of the 
fascinating and intellectual pastime. — C. E. CofEn, 
author " Gist of Whist," Indianapolis. 

Albany (N. Y.) Journal — Annie Blanche Shelby has 
met a long-felt want in her publication of a handy 
volume, entitled " Standard Whist." The work is clean 
and concise, easy for reference, and will be found in- 
valuable by those who love the game, but not its many 
intricacies until they are explained away in a manner 
easily understood. 

Mr. Nicholas Browse Trist, of New Orleans, the 
"Father of American Leads" — whose opinion and ad- 
vice is eagerly sought and highly valued by all true 
lovers of the game, writes Miss Shelby: 

"Many thanks for copy of your 'Standard Whist/ 



I like it very much, because you have rightly ignored 
the modern fads, and have set forth in a clear and con- 
cise manner, well adapted to both learners and advanced 
players, the science from the game involved, from the 
accumulated experience of a century and a half." 

Buflfalo Express — A little volume entitled " Standard 
Whist." The author is Annie Blanche Shelby, a whist 
teacher. While she intends her book for both men and 
women, she makes a special appeal to women to reduce 
their play to a system. The author is a close reasoner 
on the science; she has no fads to exploit, but is a 
true lover of the game and makes her treatise thor- 
oughly scientific and helpful. The tyro and the 
seasoned player will find this to be a book of rare merit 
and helpful, with many suggestions and directions. 



ocr 6 1900 



